Losing weight is seldom a small feat. Changing your lifestyle, such as starting regular exercise and following a diet are not easy tasks. They require dedication and a strong desire to achieve consistent progress toward your weight loss goals.
Even though there are some prescription weight loss treatments that have been approved by the MHRA, many people still look for alternative ways to lose weight. A quick Google search will turn up a plethora of weight loss tips, some backed by science and others based on personal stories.
CBD has many surprising benefits and recently, it has gained popularity as a way to help people lose weight – but what does the evidence say?
How Does CBD Help You Lose Weight?
Our bodies are natural producers of cannabinoids, which are parts of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in many bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, pain perception, and memory. It also helps control our energy levels and metabolism. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The weight loss health claim is based on the idea that adding CBD to our bodies will help change our appetite and speed up our metabolism.
However, does the science that we know so far back up these claims?
What Do the Studies Show?
Early research points to a positive link between CBD and weight loss, which we will talk about in more detail below.
Lowers Appetite Levels
CBD, unlike the other well-known cannabinoid THC (the part of marijuana that makes you feel high), is not linked to making you hungry. In fact, the opposite is true. CBD blocks the CB1 receptor, which is the opposite of what THC does. When the CB1 receptor is stimulated by THC, a hormone is released that makes you want to eat.
On the other hand, CB1 receptor antagonists in CBD may aid in appetite suppression and obesity management. This is due to the fact that CB1 receptor antagonists inhibit or "inactivate" the receptor.
Turns Bad Fat Into Good Fat
Brown fat is useful fat that helps keep your body's temperature steady by making heat. White fat, on the other hand, stores extra calories that the body can use when it needs more energy, and it's where we store calories from excess food intake. When the body needs to store more energy for physical activities, it turns white fat into brown fat.
Brown fat is stored in small amounts in the neck, collarbone, kidneys, and spinal cord. White fat is usually stored in the hips, thighs, and stomach. Brown fat is interesting because it can store more energy in less space than white fat. The brown color comes from increased mitochondrial density, and these extra mitochondria are what turn the stored fats into forms of energy our bodies can use. Lean people tend to have more brown fat than those who are overweight. Because of this, white fat is sometimes called "bad" fat and is linked to a higher risk of many long-term diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered how CBD interacts with fat in the body. A study from 2016 found that CBD helped white fat cells change into brown fat cells. This means that the body can burn more fat overall, which can help with weight loss.
CBD Products That Aid With Weight Loss
Companies are now exploring different techniques so people can receive the benefits of CBD, including the consumption of oils and gummy candies to the topical use of creams and balms. Here are two of the most popular products available in the market:
Oils
CBD is most often available as an oil. These carrier oils are used as a vehicle for the active component in products, with a pipette enabling for simple absorption under the tongue. CBD oils are available in a variety of flavors such as pineapple and peach.
Sweets
CBD gummies are a fun and light-way to consume CBD. While CBD gummy bears are less optimal than oils due to their sugar content, they are easy to consume and appealing in flavor.
Considerations
While preliminary evidence suggests that CBD supplementation may be useful for weight loss, it is critical to see it as just that: a supplement. The MHRA has not yet authorized the active ingredient as a therapy for obesity, and it should not be used in lieu of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and frequent exercise.
However, in light of the many studies demonstrating the efficacy of cannabidiol, it's definitely worth a try to complement your weight loss journey with CBD. Just make sure to also exercise and eat healthfully so you reap the full benefits.
