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Does Cocaine Make You Lose Weight?
Jeffrey E. Hansen, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
I have been married for 44 years to a wonderful woman and have two amazing children and one granddaughter who is the apple of my eye. I have passions for motorcycling, reading, traveling, public speaking, writing, playing with our three dogs, and spending time in the great outdoors.
I have a B.A. in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley, an M.A. in psychology from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Arkansas. I completed an American Psychological Association-approved internship at Silas B. Hayes Army Community Hospital in Fort Ord, California, and a post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. I am licensed in Psychology in the State of Washington (PY-1695) and in the State of Arizona (PSY-005450).
I have worked as a pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychologist in the Army for 10 years, in private practice for 25 years, and more recently at Madigan Army Medical Center for the last 7 years where I serve as a senior staff member providing pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychological services and consultation to Madigan clinics, and, as a graduate medical education faculty member, training for and supervision of practicum doctoral students and clinical psychology interns.
Life is full of unlimited opportunities and joys if we choose to live in connected harmony with our creator, one another, and our beautiful world. My heartfelt commitment is to others find this balance using Biblical, evidence, and neuroscience-based psychotherapies.
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Sometimes nicknamed “the skinny drug,” weight loss from cocaine misuse is not uncommon.
This illegal stimulant is abused by millions of men in the US and can cause a dangerous decline in muscle mass and strength. Men who abuse cocaine are at an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other long-term organ damage.
Although the stimulating weight loss effects can be desirable for some looking to shed pounds, avoid using this drug as a way to lose weight. And if you struggle with cocaine misuse, consider connecting with a specialized men’s rehab such as AnchorPoint.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a white, crystalline powder derived from coca leaves and often snorted or dissolved in water and injected for its euphoric, energy-producing effects. It has a high risk of addiction and can cause several long-term health effects on the body that affect both physical and mental health, including cardiac arrest, seizures, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis [1].
Common street names for cocaine include:
- Blow
- Coke
- Crack
- Coca
- Snow
- Flake or Crank in some regions
Does Cocaine Misuse Cause Weight Loss?
Chronic cocaine users often lose, on average, 13 lbs compared to non-users, even with higher calorie intake. Short-term use accelerates rapid loss through appetite suppression, while long-term effects are often due to hormonal imbalances such as low leptin [2].
Research shows that cocaine affects the body’s ability to store fat by impacting leptin, a hormone that regulates energy and fat metabolism. One study of cocaine-dependent men found that even when their diet was high in fat, they were not able to gain weight as they normally would [2].
Cocaine misuse can appear among men with eating disorders, particularly seeking weight control or muscle definition, with nearly half reporting using it for appetite suppression. Men in fitness or high-pressure environments face increased risks, often struggling with both substance abuse, and low self-esteem or even muscle dysmorphia (excessively preoccupied with the idea that their body is not muscular or lean enough) [3].
How Does Cocaine Suppress Appetite?
One of the most common short-term effects of cocaine that leads to weight loss is appetite suppression. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and activates reward chemicals such as dopamine that make people feel wired, focused, and less aware of normal hunger cues. It can also affect hunger hormones such as ghrelin, signaling to the brain that it’s full [2].
The Dangers of Cocaine Weight Loss and Effects on The Body
Many men ignore the risks of cocaine, often comparing its lower overdose death toll to other drugs they deem as “more dangerous”, such as fentanyl. However, this creates a false sense of safety. Cocaine use has several long-term effects on the body and can destroy physical and mental health.
Heart Health
Heart attack is the leading cause of death among men who abuse cocaine, accounting for nearly 25% of deaths in regular cocaine users. Cocaine increases blood pressure, heart rate, and constricts blood vessels greatly increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and death of the heart muscle [4].
Brain Health
Cocaine narrows blood vessels in the brain, limiting oxygen and heightening risks such as strokes, convulsions, and aneurysms. Long-term users also show brain shrinkage, especially in frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, which impacts cognition, memory retention, and mood stability.
Chronic exposure also increases vulnerability to depression and anxiety by overstimulating the nervous system and impacting dopamine and serotonin balance [5].
Organ Damage
Cocaine reduces blood flow throughout several major organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys. Short-term effects of cocaine can include upset stomach, reduced appetite, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which can contribute to weight loss. However, in long-term users, ulcers and tissue death in the bowels are more likely due to changes in stomach acid and lack of blood flow/oxygen.
Cocaine can also lead to a severe condition known as rhabdomyolysis, which causes the muscles to break down and release proteins like myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can cause damage to the kidneys and liver as they can not filter out these excess toxins [6].
Sexual Health
Although cocaine initially heightens sex drive through dopamine surges, it has been linked to erectile dysfunction in up to 50% of chronic users by reducing blood flow to reproductive organs and reducing signals for arousal. Delayed ejaculation and trouble orgasming also emerge from disturbance to the central nervous system.
Cocaine also harms sperm quality, reducing their count and damaging DNA, which can cause infertility and epigenetic changes. Long-term use elevates risks of low testosterone, prostate issues, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from lack of judgment during risky sexual encounters [7].
Cocaine Addiction Treatment for Men in Arizona
Through a blend of evidence-based therapies, social supports, case management, integrated wellness, and strength training, we help men heal the root cause of cocaine addiction and grow in a supportive, Christ-centered environment.
At AnchorPoint, our programs are rooted in neuroscience and guided by the Neurofaith™ model, focusing on strengthening the nervous system, heart, and brain. We offer several levels of care to guide you through your recovery journey from start to finish.
Take the first step toward authentic strength. Contact our admissions team to verify your insurance benefits today.
Sources
[1] DEA. Cocaine.[2] Fletcher, C. et al. (2013). The skinny on cocaine: insights into eating behavior and body weight in cocaine-dependent men. Appetite, 71, 75–80.
[3] Brewerton, T. et al. (1998). The role of weight control as a motivation for cocaine abuse. Addictive behaviors, 23(2), 201–207.
[4] Suri, F. et al. (2014). Cocaine use and the likelihood of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mortality Follow-up Study. Journal of vascular and interventional neurology, 7(1), 76–82.
[5] Nestler, J. (2005). The neurobiology of cocaine addiction. Science & practice perspectives, 3(1), 4–10.
[6] Fineschi, V. et al. (2012). Side effects of cocaine abuse: multiorgan toxicity and pathological consequences. Current medicinal chemistry, 19(33), 5624–5646.
[7] Capaldo, A. et al. (2023). Cocaine Effects on Reproductive Behavior and Fertility: An Overview. Veterinary sciences, 10(8), 484.
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