According to research conducted at the Saint Louis University the use of THC may increase weight in elderly subjects who suffer from anorexia (loss of appetite) and weight loss. Scientists conducted a retrospective observational study on 28 patients with a mean age of 79.5 years, who received oral THC for twelve weeks.

Mean body weight at baseline was 47.9 kilogram. 15 participants (53.5 per cent) gained weight on THC, of which 10 gained more than 2.3 kg and 6 more than 4.5 kg. Residents who lost weight on THC were younger than those who gained weight (70.9 years and 90.8 years respectively). Overall, the mean weight gain on dronabinol was 1.4 kg. Eleven subjects lost weight. Of the subjects who lost weight 7 (64 per cent) died compared with 4 (26 per cent) in the subgroup who gained weight.

The whole abstract of the study is available at: http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php

(Source: Wilson MM, Philpot C, Morley JE. Anorexia of aging in long term care: is dronabinol an effective appetite stimulant? - a pilot study. J Nutr Health Aging 2007;11(2):195-8.)