CBD Promote Fat Burn & Lose Weight?
Cannabidiol — better known as CBD — is a widely popular compound derived from the cannabis plant.
Although typically available as an oil-based extract, CBD also comes in lozenges, sprays, topical creams, and other forms.
CBD may have a number of benefits, including reduced anxiety, natural pain relief, and improved heart and brain health.
And most recently, there’s been some buzz around the idea that CBD can help with weight loss.
However, little is known about the effects of CBD on weight loss.
This article explores the current research on CBD and how it affects your weight.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100 compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in cannabis.
It’s the second most abundant cannabinoid — after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — and composes up to 40% of the plant’s extract.
Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning that it does not cause a high.
However, CBD affects your body in other ways. It’s thought to stimulate certain receptors to reduce pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
It stops the breakdown of anandamide — a chemical often referred to as the “bliss molecule” — in your brain. This allows anandamide to stay in your system longer, helping relieve pain and boost brain function.
CBD also regulates the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
What’s more, CBD may also help treat symptoms of depression.
However, because human research is currently limited, the full effects of CBD on health are still unknown.
Can CBD promote weight loss?
CBD has been purported to improve other aspects of health, including weight loss. A few of its potential effects are outlined below.
May boost metabolism and reduce food intake
Preliminary research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which could promote weight loss.
For example, animal studies indicate that CBD affects weight by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in lymphoid tissue and the brain. These receptors are thought to play important roles in metabolism and food intake.
In a two-week study, rats were injected with CBD daily at doses of 1.1 and 2.3 mg per pound of body weight (2.5 and 5 mg per kg). Both doses produced significant reductions in body weight, with the higher dose having the most pronounced effect.
It’s important to note that CBD was injected, not given orally.
In another rat study, CBD led to a significant reduction in food intake compared to other cannabinoids, including cannabigerol and cannabinol (18Trusted Source).
While such results are promising, not enough human studies support these findings, and more research is needed.
May promote ‘browning’ of fat cells,
Two types of fat — white and brown — exist in your body.
White fat is the predominant form, responsible for storing and supplying energy while insulating and cushioning your organs.
It’s also the type of fat most associated with chronic illnesses — such as diabetes and heart disease — when accumulated in excess Source.
On the other hand, brown fat is responsible for generating heat by burning calories. Individuals with a healthy weight tend to have more brown fat than overweight people.
You can convert white fat to brown by exercising, getting adequate sleep, and exposing yourself to cold temperatures.
Interestingly, research shows that CBD may aid this process.
A test-tube study found that CBD led to “browning” in white fat cells and enhanced the expression of specific genes and proteins that promote brown fat.
However, human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Marijuana use is associated with lower body weight
Although marijuana use is commonly associated with increased food intake, those who use marijuana products tend to weigh less than those who don’t.
For example, a review in over 50,000 people noted an obesity rate of 14–17% among those who used cannabis at least 3 days per week, compared to 22–25% for those reporting no marijuana use in the past 12 months.
As CBD is prevalent in marijuana, it’s likely involved in this relationship — although it’s unclear how.
That said, researchers believe that cannabinoids as a whole — including CBD — affect appetite, metabolism, and other weight-related body functions.
Should you try CBD oil to lose weight?
While it’s unclear whether CBD oil is effective for weight loss, it has been shown to improve health in other ways. It’s relatively safe, with little risk of side effects.
More research — especially in humans — is needed to determine how this marijuana product affects weight. The findings that exist are relatively weak and inconsistent.
Therefore, CBD oil is not recommended as an effective way to lose weight.
It’s best to try other weight loss tips instead — especially because CBD products can be expensive.
CBD and weight loss: Is there a connection?
There are two types of fats found in the human body: White fat and brown fat. White fat cells are responsible for storing and providing energy whereas brown fat cells are responsible for burning calories and generating heat, Dr. Clara Lawson, MD explains. Those with healthy body weight have more brown fat cells in their bodies as compared to people who are overweight.
“When you exercise, white fat cells are converted into brown fat cells that mean you are burning calories and losing weight. CBD promotes weight loss by aiding the conversion of white fat cells into brown fats cells,” Dr. Lawson states. “Besides, CBD has the ability to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system that are associated with metabolism and hunger.
After positively influencing these receptors, CBD boosts metabolism and reduces cravings to eat more, therefore promoting weight loss.”
CBD also supports weight loss in a different way by motivating you to exercise, Dr. Lawson adds. Since CBD has promising effects on mood, it can certainly encourage you to perform better in your life including but not limited to your weight loss routine.
While there haven’t been extensive human studies on CBD, there are many indirect ways that CBD can support your weight loss goals.
CBD product for weight loss
Dr. Lawson recommends the CBD oil products below. “They are third-party lab tested, organically made in the U.S., contain less than 0.3% THC and are full-spectrum.”
Phytocet 1500mg/50mg- Spectrum Hemp Oil
This product, while a bit pricey at $69 or $39 USD, provides all the phytonutrients of hemp without the high sensation of THC. It’s toxin-free, non-GMO and certified USDA organic hemp. Buy it Here!!
