3.5 million
people in the UK may be living with an eating disorder.
12.6
in 100,000 women may develop anorexia nervosa, compared to 1 in 100,000 men.
£9.4 billion
was the estimated social and economic cost of eating disorders in the UK in 2020, a figure that is likely to have increased since then.
72%
of 1,669 respondents to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted were prescribed the medication for multiple symptoms or conditions, such as those that co-occur with anorexia nervosa.
Symptoms
Anxiety
Avoiding food
Avoiding social situations
Depression
Excessively exercising
Fatigue
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may have Anorexia Nervosa. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Talking therapies are usually the first line of treatment for people with anorexia in the UK, and medications can be prescribed alongside these to help manage anxiety or mood. Because comorbidity is high amongst those with anorexia, other medicines, such as bisphosphonate, may be prescribed to treat physical symptoms such as low bone strength.
Citalopram
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Sertraline
Talking therapies
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, which is associated with high rates of fatality and relapses. The condition is complex and often has associated anxiety symptoms. Medical cannabis can offer a safe option to address specific symptoms including stimulation of appetite, reduction of anxiety and improve sleep. These ‘minor’ wins can help to turn the tide towards recovery for the individual."
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
12. 07. 2023
The vast majority of the global population has a healthy relationship with food, but the scourge of eating disorders is on the rise, with millions worldwide facing anorexia, bulimia, and other disordered eating behaviours. In the UK alone, current estimates suggest that around 1.25 million people are affected by some type of eating disorder.
12. 07. 2023
24. 02. 2024
As February draws to a close each year in the UK, Eating Disorder Awareness Week is held to shine a light on the prevalence of eating disorders, and raise awareness for the struggles they cause. As a UK based medical cannabis clinic, we felt it was important to honour this important topic, and discuss the emerging potential of medical cannabis in the treatment of various eating disorders.
24. 02. 2024
10. 08. 2023
While the vast majority of the people living in developed countries have a healthy relationship with food, the scourge of eating disorders is on the rise, with millions worldwide facing anorexia, bulimia, and other disordered eating behaviours. In the UK alone, current estimates suggest that around 1.25 million people are affected by some type of eating disorder.
10. 08. 2023
Medical cannabis for anorexia nervosa is a possible option for people who experience symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleeplessness alongside their anorexia. Anorexia is rarely a condition that occurs without any other symptoms. Although anorexia is a mental health condition, other mental health issues can occur at the same time, making the condition complex and challenging to manage. Eating too little can also cause a range of wellness problems, from dry skin to dizziness and sleep disorders.
Research suggests that medical cannabis may have a potentially therapeutic effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and other compounds like enzymes that impact multiple aspects of wellness. These may include sleep quality, pain levels, and mood regulation, in some cases.
Anorexia can lead to serious physical impairment. If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia or another eating disorder, reach out for help as soon as you can:
Call 999 for a medical emergency
111 for non-urgent medical advice
Email Beat Eating Disorders, the UK’s eating disorder charity, at help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk or call between 3 pm and 8 pm:
0808 801 0677 (England)
0808 801 0432 (Scotland)
0808 801 0433 (Wales)
0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland)
Phone the Samaritans at 116 123 for support in a crisis, any time
Medical cannabis is not currently recognised as a first-line treatment for anorexia nervosa. Eating disorder-focused therapies and treatments are essential for proper management of this potentially dangerous condition.
Some people may think that medical cannabis for appetite disorders is an appropriate treatment choice because of the potential for increased appetite. However, evidence is unclear on the exact relationship between medical cannabis and appetite. A consultant is more likely to suggest the medication to manage the following symptoms:
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Anorexia symptoms |
How symptoms present |
Medical cannabis for anorexia: How it might help |
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Anorexia nervosa is typically exemplified by anxieties around food, eating, and body image. Other anxiety disorders may develop, such as a fear of socialising, or feeling on edge about eating in front of others. |
One 2025 review of available evidence concluded that 70% of studies on cannabis and anxiety appear to indicate that CBD and THC may help with improved anxiety symptom management. |
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Anorexia and insomnia often occur together, with some evidence suggesting that disordered sleep may make eating disorders worse and vice versa. There may also be a genetic component that links certain circadian rhythms with a tendency toward anorexia. Feeling hungry, nauseous, or anxious can also lead to insomnia, characterised by difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime waking. |
A systematic review of evidence from 2022 stated with “moderate certainty” that medical cannabis appeared to offer improvements in sleep quality compared to placebos. |
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People who struggle with anorexia may also have low self-esteem, problems with self-image, and feel isolated and lonely. |
Data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry shows that depression questionnaire scores for 129 patients were reduced by 50%, on average, after a month of cannabis-based treatment. |
Recommended treatments for anorexia include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for eating disorders
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), a workbook-based treatment plan based on input from patients and carers
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), a treatment pathway offered to people who have struggled to find success with CBT or other first-line treatments
Family therapy may also be recommended, although this is more common for under 18s. The support and understanding of loved ones can be a key factor in successful recovery.
Anorexia and anorexia nervosa are often used interchangeably. However, anorexia as a technical, medical term actually means a loss of appetite, and can have many causes, from illness to medication to lifestyle changes.
Anorexia nervosa is a specific mental health condition and eating disorder that is characterised by a fear of gaining weight, often linked to what is known as body dysmorphia, which is a negative view of one’s own body shape or type.
Some people with anorexia nervosa may believe their body is larger than it is, and wish to make it smaller, often by undereating or using medications or exercise to achieve this.
ARFID stands for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. It is not the same as anorexia nervosa, but it can, in some cases, lead to weight loss and illness. When someone has ARFID, they may avoid certain foods or have an extremely restrictive diet. This is rarely driven by thoughts about self-image, weight, or body shape. Certain smells, textures, or tastes may simply be intolerable to the person living with ARFID.
Conditions like anxiety and depression often co-occur alongside anorexia. The eating disorder is linked to low self-esteem and poor self-image, which can be symptoms of depression, or lead to a persistent low mood that may develop into depression.
When someone is trying to hide the fact that they have anorexia, they may feel shame, stress, and be on edge constantly, which can develop into an anxiety disorder. They may no longer wish to socialise, which can lead to isolation and deeper feelings of depression.
One of the reasons cannabis for anorexia may be suggested by a medical professional is due to the medication’s potential for improved mood regulation, in some people.
When discussing cannabis and anorexia, you may come across terms like cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids. These are compounds in the cannabis plant that may have beneficial effects for some people. “Phytocannabinoids” just means plant-based cannabinoids, and these may mimic the effect of endocannabinoids that you already have in your ECS.
CBD is perhaps one of the best-known cannabinoids, particularly since it’s available as an oil or topical treatment from some health shops or online retailers. CBD is associated with relaxation and a calmer state of mind, potentially due to an indirect action on the ECS.
THC is another well-known compound of medical cannabis. It has a direct action on the ECS, and at high doses, can cause a feeling of intoxication or confusion. However, the way that THC binds to receptors in the ECS could also make it potentially beneficial for sleep and mood regulation, which are all commonly concurrent with anorexia nervosa.
Anyone under 18 with anorexia or another eating disorder will not be eligible for medical cannabis treatments in the UK.
Side effects such as dry mouth and nausea can be unpleasant and may have a negative impact on the patient, which can be counterproductive. Sometimes, a change of dose may be all that’s required, but for some people, side effects may mean that the medication isn’t appropriate.
To find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis for appetite disorders in the UK, fill out the 30-second form on the Releaf website.
How Releaf works: Once you’ve checked your eligibility, you may be able to book a consultation with one of over 50 specialists in our world-class clinical team. They will assess your current symptoms and treatment plan to determine if medical cannabis could be an option to potentially help with improved holistic management. From here, you can decide whether to pay for your medication on a pay-as-you-go basis or pay a monthly fee for Releaf+, which gives you discounts on your medication as well as benefits like Releaf Protect, a service offering expert legal advice on all aspects of medical cannabis.
To find out more about how medical cannabis for anorexia may help, contact our team or complete the medical cannabis eligibility checker online.
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