Cannabidiol, better known under its abbreviation CBD, has been the talk for quite some time. Every year, the market is flooded with CBD-infused products, be it edibles, salves, or beauty products. And while more research is still required, it’s becoming clear that CBD can provide numerous health benefits, hence its growing popularity in the health world.
According to various studies, CBD can help with anxiety and stress-related issues. It’s also believed to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. However, as said, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of using cannabidiol for aiding such conditions.
But while CBD is mostly recognized for pain and anxiety-related conditions, some studies suggest that it can also benefit weight loss. It’s also said to potentially reduce the risk of problems associated with obesity. Is CBD an answer to your weight loss struggles, though? That’s the question we’ll try to answer in the following guide.
Research on CBD and Weight Loss
CBD interacts with the human body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. The system finds all irregularities and corrects them by producing small molecules called endocannabinoids. These molecules then bind to receptors and activate them, bringing balance to the given system.
Interestingly, cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant are molecularly similar to endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with the ECS and bind to receptors, providing the human body with their supposed medicinal properties. Essentially, there are two receptors within the body – CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors can be found in the brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are located in the immune system.
Having that short introduction to how CBD works out of the way, let’s discuss how it can help with weight loss. Essentially, it all comes down to the fact that CB1 receptors become more widespread in fatty tissue. This led researchers to believe that there might be a link between obesity and CBD activation of these receptors.
Again, more evidence is required to confirm whether this connection exists, but current studies certainly show a lot of promise.
How Can CBD Help With Weight Loss?
As numerous studies suggest, CBD may benefit people trying to lose weight in several ways. According to recent research, cannabidiol can help reduce appetite, turn bad fat into good fat, reduce the risk of various metabolic disorders, and more.
Reduced Appetite
Most people associate cannabis with an increased appetite. And true, THC tends to stimulate hunger by releasing a specific hormone when stimulating CB1 receptors. The same cannot be said for CBD, though. According to the 2018 study, CBD can deactivate CB1 receptors, reducing appetite and helping control obesity.
The authors of this study also suggest that by stimulating CB2 receptors, CBD can decrease inflammation and reduce food intake. Animal tests seem to confirm these findings, with the 2012 study finding that CBD exposure reduced appetite in rats. How it may affect humans, however, is yet to be determined.
“Good Fat” Production
In general, our bodies produce two types of fat – white and brown. White fat is considered bad as it may increase the risk of several chronic conditions, including diabetes or heart disease. According to several studies, CBD might help convert white fat into brown, helping the body burn calories.
Indeed, as the 2016 research found out, there’s a profound correlation between CBD and fat. First, CBD can stimulate the body to break down fats more efficiently. Secondly, it converts white fat cells into brown fat cells. Opposite to white fat, brown fat cells are more active as they burn off energy as heat. This means they can burn calories more efficiently, providing exceptional help when it comes to weight loss. More research is needed to confirm how CBD can affect them, though.
Lower Risk of Metabolic Disorders
There’s a close connection between obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or increased cholesterol. As studies suggest, this might be caused by the overactivation of CB1 receptors in the fat tissue, which contributes to obesity and further metabolic risks.
CBD might be able to decrease these risks thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. An animal study performed on rats saw CBD reduce total cholesterol in rats by 25%. Studies also suggest CBD can help decrease blood pressure and improve liver health, both associated with obesity.
Improved Sleep Quality
Although many people don’t associate sleep with weight loss, getting a good night’s sleep can have a massive impact on your weight loss goals. According to experts, lack of sleep often translates to increased appetite, reduced exercise levels (due to the lack of energy), and a slower metabolism.
Due to its calming properties, CBD can help improve sleep quality, ensuring you wake up well-rested and energized. Of course, there’s still more research to be done to confirm that, but there are some strong grounds for CBD’s positive impact on sleep.
How to Use CBD for Weight Loss?
One of the greatest benefits of CBD is how easy you can incorporate it into your daily routine. You can consume CBD in a variety of ways, including edibles, such as gummies or candies, topicals, and smoking products. And while consuming CBD gummies for weight loss may seem a bit weird, they have nothing in common with classic gummies besides the taste.
As for when to consume CBD for weight loss, there are no universal guidelines. For instance, you can take CBD just before or after a workout to maximize its potential effects. When it comes to how much CBD you should take, the best idea is to start small and slowly increase your intake as your body gets used to cannabidiol and its effects.
Potential Risks and Considerations When Taking CBD for Weight Loss
Although numerous studies prove that there’s a clear link between CBD and weight loss, more research is required to confirm whether it can provide benefits associated with it in humans. And while it seems CBD can benefit your weight loss goals, there are several things to consider before implementing it in your daily routine.
First, CBD supplements shouldn’t be treated as a treatment for obesity. They may stimulate weight loss, but one cannot treat them as a replacement for the right diet or regular exercise. Like with any other supplement or drug, adding CBD to your routine without incorporating healthier dietary habits and exercises may not provide you with any results.
Also, keep in mind that CBD weight loss properties are yet to be confirmed a hundred percent. More research is needed here, and it’s best to consult your doctor about whether CBD can be beneficial for your weight loss plan. And if the answer is yes, be sure to only use renowned and quality products from reputable brands like Mojave RX.
Summary
While more research is needed, it seems there’s a strong correlation between CBD and weight loss. According to various studies, cannabidiol can reduce appetite, convert “bad” fat into “good” fat, and decrease the risk of several metabolic disorders associated with obesity. It can also stimulate weight loss through its other supposed medicinal properties, such as improving sleep quality or decreasing stress levels, which are both often overlooked when it comes to weight loss.
However, with all these properties yet to be fully confirmed, it’s vital to be careful when incorporating CBD into your weight loss strategy. Also, keep in mind that no matter how effective they can be, CBD products and supplements won’t replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. If so, treat them as an aid to achieving your weight loss goals and always consult your doctor about whether implementing CBD into your routine is a hundred percent safe.
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.
