John Lennon's Weight Loss Puzzle: The Role of Marijuana and Other Factors

John Lennon, the iconic member of The Beatles, experienced significant weight fluctuations throughout his career and life. Many posts and articles mention his weight loss, but few discuss the specific factors that led to it. His partner Yoko Ono attributed it to their diet, but there is more to the story that involves marijuana, LSD, and other influences. This article aims to unravel the mystery of how John Lennon lost weight and what influenced these changes throughout his life.

Introduction to Hemp Among the Beatles

During the mid-60s, Dylan introduced the Beatles to marijuana, also known as cannabis, about a year before the release of Help!. All the books indicate that the Beatles and their manager, Brian Epstein, were instantly fond of smoking it. However, it was John Lennon who took things to the extreme.

Lennon's weight gain is often attributed to heavy marijuana use and the well-known "munchies" effect. Pot is known to increase appetite, which could have contributed to his weight gain. His depression about Paul being called "the cute one" and his other feelings of resentment and envy probably exaggerated the effects of the marijuana.

Weight Gain Due to Marijuana Use

John's smoking a lot of pot to numb his depression likely caused him to gain weight, leading to a journalist labeling him "the fat one." However, he was never truly fat, even by today's standards, but did get chubbier, especially around his jowls. He himself referred to this period as his "Fat Elvis" phase. The irony was that smoking pot for emotional relief led to a weight gain that further distressed him.

Effects of LSD on Appetite and Weight

Shortly before the release of Help!, John and George were introduced to LSD by "Dr. Robert." Contrary to marijuana, LSD decreases appetite and raises heart rate, thus increasing metabolism. After this experience, John allegedly tripped an ungodly number of times, virtually until the Beatles began studying Transcendental Meditation (TM) with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

LSD's appetite-suppressing properties may have helped John overcome the "munchies" and keep his appetite in check. This effect, combined with other stimulants, may have contributed to his weight loss. However, the lack of proper nutrition could have led to malnutrition.

Weight Management and Dieting

Some speculate that John engaged in binge-dieting, which may be considered a form of eating disorder today. This could have been aided by the use of stimulants such as speed and nicotine, which helped him control his appetite and maintain his energy levels despite malnutrition.

Heroin Use and Weight Loss

Shortly after renouncing the Maharishi, John began his affair with Yoko Ono. It is believed that he wasn't abnormally thin at this point, as evidenced by the cover of Two Virgins. However, he had gone back to binge-drinking, which may have contributed to weight gain. It's likely that John resumed using heroin by the time the Beatles recorded the White Album, and his use of the drug undoubtedly caused significant weight loss, as did his growing apathy towards the Get Back project.

Conclusion: Weight Fluctuations as a Reflection of Lennon's Life

John Lennon's weight fluctuations were deeply linked to his struggles with personal and psychological issues. His weight gain and subsequent loss reflect his life's tumultuous periods, his use of various substances, and the fluctuating dynamics of his relationships. While the exact reasons for his weight loss may never be fully known, it is clear that his use of marijuana, LSD, and later heroin played significant roles in these changes.

Beyond the weight fluctuations, these changes in weight are a fascinating reflection of a deeply troubled but open-minded individual who sought to find solace and peace through various means. Lennon's openness about his struggles makes him more relatable, and despite his mistakes, his music continues to inspire thousands.