The far-reaching benefits of CBD oil have us all wondering: is CBD good for weight loss? After years of taboo and misinformation, we are finally understanding the interaction between CBD (a cannabinoid found in cannabis) and our body’s built-in endocannabinoid system. This interaction promotes a myriad of health benefits across many areas of the body. Hence, CBD products are being used to aid in serious ailments such as epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety, and beyond. Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors that are present throughout the brain, central nervous system, and body, which is what gives CBD the ability to be effective in so many different areas of health. Additionally, these particular receptors play a major role in regulating homeostasis throughout our bodies – this equilibrium is what creates the feeling of a healthy, balanced mind and body. No wonder the health benefits of CBD are so extensive! In terms of finite research regarding CBD oil for weight loss, very little conclusive evidence exists. There is, however, very promising preliminary research that suggests CBD for weight loss – along with a healthy diet and exercise – can help control weight gain by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism. But what about the munchies?! The popular association between “the munchies” and marijuana begs the question: does CBD cause weight gain? While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is associated with an increased appetite, CBD oil and weight gain are entirely unrelated. In fact, a 2012 study involving rats demonstrated that the presence of CBD oil resulted in a reduced appetite, signifying that CBD and weight loss might just be a match made in heaven. Of course, human studies are still needed to confirm the benefits of CBD oil for weight loss in human beings.
How does CBD Affect your Weight?
Anyone interested in losing weight has heard the word “metabolism” (and probably cursed it). This fickle process of converting food into energy, it seems, is a friend to some and an enemy to others. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role this biochemical process and is the avenue by which CBD interacts with the human body. An interesting benefit of CBD is that it boosts the ability of the endocannabinoid system to promote mitochondrial activity, which plays an integral role in the metabolic process. This is one important factor indicating that CBD may help promote a healthy body weight. Once of the few human studies that have been conducted involving CBD showed marijuana to be associated with lower levels of fasting insulin, a smaller waist circumference, and lower rates of obesity. This study was the first of its kind in that it took fasting insulin into account, which is important because high insulin levels make it more difficult to burn fat. Bottom line: Burn more fat = lose more weight.
Can CBD help you lose weight?
As far as definitive CBD weight loss results: once again, scientific human studies need to be conducted to prove any significant relationship between CBD and weight loss. One promising study, published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, showed that in rats, the presence of CBD promoted conversion of “white fat” into “brown fat.” This is significant because an over-abundance of white fat has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and chronic illness. Additionally, studies suggest that brown fat cells aid in burning calories more impactfully than white fat. By aiding in this conversion, it is possible that using CBD oil could help people lose weight.
Benefits and Side-Effects of CBD for Weight Loss
A wonderful thing about CBD is that its benefits are far-reaching, and its side effects are few. CBD has a very good safety profile, is natural, and nonaddictive – all of which make it an attractive and holistic option for the many conditions that it treats or simply as an addition to an already healthy routine. Although we do not have conclusive research regarding the direct effects of CBD on weight loss, some uses for CBD that are more heavily documented include the positive effects of CBD for sleep-aid, anxiety, and chronic pain. Combating issues such as these may also indirectly promote a healthier body weight. Insufficient sleep, for example, has been thoroughly linked to weight gain, while chronic pain and anxiety are hardly on anyone’s list of gym motivators.
How to Use CBD Oil for Weight Loss
The first step in any significant changes to your diet and lifestyle is to consult with your doctor. This will ensure that your health history, medical conditions, and medications are accounted for in your approach. Using CBD hemp oil for weight loss is very versatile. CBD products come in many varieties, and can be incorporated into your routine very easily. The most important factors to consider when adding CBD oil to your regimen, is ensuring you use a high-quality product, and determining what dosage best suits you. Every body has different needs and the best CBD dosage will depend on your body weight, your exposure to CBD, and your natural sensitivity to cannabis and hemp oil products. It is important to note that no substance, hemp extract or otherwise, can substitute a healthy diet and exercise, which are the pillars of a healthy mind and body. CBD oil is one of many natural and holistic ways to promote your health and wellness, all of which are most effective when used in tandem.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Weight Loss
One day, we may see CBD oil weight loss products on shelves everywhere. In the meantime, CBD weight loss studies are still few and far between but as these products continue to gain popularity and more benefits are discovered, we expect to see many comprehensive studies to follow. At Karavie, we believe that health and wellness is the most valuable thing in the world and we understand that reaching a healthy weight is a struggle that many people face. We also know that every body is unique, and different things work for different people. Finding holistic and natural ways to reach your body’s homeostasis is a journey that we are proud to share in.
