Many CBD studies have found that CBD could be used to treat different things, like seizures and anxiety, but can it also treat weight loss?
How Can CBD Help You Lose Weight?
Weight gain is caused by taking in more calories than what is released, like eating calorie-rich foods but not burning them off. Our ability to burn fat is affected by a number of things, and a compromised digestive system often comes from imbalance in the hormones and changes in inflammation levels, metabolic patterns and the endocannabinoid system.
Steady weight loss is caused by balance between the immune, digestion and nervous system, and the endocannabinoid system acts as a bridge between the three.
Suppressing Appetite
People believe that cannabis actually increases hunger instead of stopping it. While this is true, it is down to the THC (the psychoactive element), rather than the CBD. CBD does not increase your appetite.
According to a 2018 report, CB1 receptor antagonists can help to reduce appetite and regulate obesity by blocking or "deactivating" the receptor. Although CBD does not directly deactivate CB1 receptors, certain molecules may be stimulated to block them. The suppression of these receptors will help to reduce the appetite in some individuals and discourage overeating.
An earlier research study published in 2012 found that the hunger of rats was decreased by CBD administration. Whilst there is plenty of evidence supporting the theory of CBD and suppression of appetite, no human trials have yet been performed in this area.
Reduces the Risk of Metabolic Disorders
According to a 2018 report, obesity can cause many metabolic disorders, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
This is done by overactivating the body's CB receptors. This can contribute to obesity and the above-mentioned metabolic effects as CB1 receptors are over-stimulated throughout the body in the fat tissue.
Since CBD can block the CB1 receptors, the threat of obesity may also be reduced. A review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research discusses several previous studies which include CBD and metabolic influences, especially in rodents.
Rats treated with CBD reported a 25 percent decrease of cholesterol over time. In addition, CBD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have reduced blood sugar levels and strengthened liver function markers.
May Promote ‘Browning’ of Fat Cells
White fat is most common, responsible for preserving and supplying energy while insulating the organs. It is, however, the type of fat commonly associated with chronic diseases like heart diseaser when a lot is consumed.
Brown fat, however, is responsible for generating heat by burning calories. Those with a healthy weight seem to have more brown fat than overweight people.
Studies have found that CBD can help convert white fat into brown fat. A test-tube study found that CBD caused white fat cells to "brown" and increased the activity of specific genes and proteins that promote brown fat. However, human research is still required.
Marijuana Use Is Associated with Lower Body Weight
Although use of marijuana is often associated with increased intake of food, those who use marijuana products tend to weigh less than those who do not.
For example, a review of more than 50,000 people reported an obesity rate of 14-17% among those who used cannabis at least 3 days a week, compared with 22-25% among those who reported no use of marijuana in the past 12 months. As CBD is prevalent in marijuana, it’s likely involved in this relationship, although it’s unclear how.
Could CBD Promote Weight Gain?
While CBD may have a beneficial effect on loss of appetite and weight, it can also cause weight gain. CBD has been shown in some studies to improve appetite. In fact, one of CBD treatment's most common side effects is the increase of appetite.
Experts surveyed 117 parents of CBD-treated children to monitor effects of epilepsy. While the parents recorded a decrease in symptoms of epilepsy, 30% of them believed that CBD oil significantly increased the appetite of their children.
Nonetheless, some studies show mixed results on appetite-related effects of CBD.
One 3-month study gave 23 children with Dravet syndrome up to 11.4 mg of CBD per pound of body weight (25 mg per kg). Some children had improved appetite, but others had reductions. In addition, a recent review of 2,409 people using CBD found that 6.35% had increased hunger.
In order to understand the full effects of CBD on appetite, further research is needed.
In conclusion, while some studies have shown that CBD can help with weight loss, more research is needed to get the full details. For now, have a nice day.
