Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound that has gained massive popularity in the natural health world over the past few years. Although CBD typically comes as an oil-based extract, there is a wide range of CBD products available in the modern market including gummies, bath bombs, tropical creams, sprays, and other forms.
Research has shown that this compound has many potential benefits such as natural pain relief, improving brain and heart health, reducing stress, treating epilepsy, and much more. But one overarching question in most people’s minds is; does CBD help in weight loss?
CBD and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know
For a long time, a plethora of studies have purported that CBD can improve several aspects of health including weight loss. Below are some effects of CBD that could make this possible:
CBD May Reduce Metabolism and Reduce Food Intake
Animal studies show that CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and lymphoid tissue. These receptors play an integral role in metabolism and food intake. Ingesting CBD could lead to a reduction in food intake, which could potentially result in weight loss.
CBD Could Help In ‘Fat Browning’
Researchers have shown that CBD can transform white-colored fat tissue (that stores energy) into a beige-colored fat tissue (which burns fat) through a process known as ‘browning.’ This enhances the breakdown and oxidation of fats, reduces the expression of proteins involved in fat cell generation, and boasts the body’s ability to burn calories. Nonetheless, more human studies are required to substantiate these effects.
CBD May Help In Reducing Appetite
There are some proponents that say CBD can help in weight loss by reducing appetite. Some people associate cannabis with increased appetitive, since people who smoke marijuana tend to eat more than those who don’t. However, CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – a psychoactive component of cannabis; hence it doesn’t cause hunger. Instead, it can influence some molecules to block CB1 receptors (which are often associated with increased appetitive) and significantly reduce appetite which could ultimately result in weight loss.
Even though there is evidence to suggest CBD could suppress appetite and lead to weightless, there are no direct human studies to prove this.
CBD Could Reduce Metabolic Disorders
Research shows that there is a direct correlation between obesity and metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is caused by the overreactivation of CB1 receptors in the fat tissue of the human body.
CBD can act as an antagonist of the CB1 receptors. By reducing the overstimulation of these receptors, it reduces obesity and minimizes the risks of the aforementioned disorders.
Should You Try CBD For Weight Loss?
Even though it’s unclear whether CBD oil and other CBD products are effective in weight loss, studies have shown that they can improve health in a myriad of ways. CBD is relatively safe to use, and comes with little risk of adverse side effects. Therefore, with the direction of your doctor, you may try using CBD for weight loss. You never know, it could work great for you!