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Does Cannabidiol Affect Your Weight?

By Michael Jacobs


Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have a vast number of health benefits. Losing weight is among the many benefits it has been credited with. If you have been struggling with weight loss, this may be just the thing for you. Discover why CBD is being heralded with the potential to assist in weight loss and why.



CBD and Weight Loss

CBD has been studied over the years. These studies suggest the ability to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. This is due in large part to the way CBD interacts with the CB 1 and CB 2 receptors. These receptors in the lymphoid tissue and in the brain have a direct correlation to many of the body’s functions.

While this is not suggested to be a silver bullet for those seeking to lose weight, it has the potential to strongly aid in the process. Through research, it has been suggested that the majority of people seeking to lose weight will benefit from incorporating CBD as a supplement.



The Research

As mentioned above, significant research has been done regarding weight loss and CBD. Much of this research is published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the National Institutes of Health. By taking a look at the research, we are able to see many ways in which CBD assists with weight loss.



Reduces the Risk of Metabolic Disorders


Metabolic disorders can include such things as:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
These are all conditions that are exacerbated by obesity. The ability CBD has in blocking the CB 1 and CB 2 receptors can assist with reducing the risk of obesity. This was shown in a 2018 study to have an effect on controlling the metabolic disorders listed above. Shutting down these receptors has been shown to have an effect on the reduction of muscle pain and more.


Reduces Appetite

A 2018 study showed that deactivation of the CB 1 receptors helps to reduce appetite. Let’s be clear! CBD does not deactivate the CB 1 receptors. However, it does encourage other molecules to block the receptors off. This will help to decrease appetite in most people.

There is a different study that was conducted in 2012 that suggests this correlation as well. In this study, rats were administered CBD through a shot. There was an overwhelming amount of rats that showed signs of reduced appetite. While there have been no human studies to date, this is promising news.



Aid in Regulating Hormone Production

Hormonal imbalances are something it appears CBD may assist with as well. Much like CBD can be good for athletes post-workout by reducing inflammation, it can help with controlling hormone production. CBD allows the body to regulate the secretion of the hormone cortisol. This is especially beneficial in women. It is important to note that this also suggests that CBD may produce an overall sedative effect in some people as a result.



Turns bad fat into good fat

Part of how CBD assists in weight loss are the ability to turn bad (white) fat into good (brown) fat. This is a process known as fat-browning. The brown fat is easier to burn and also increases metabolism. This will allow you to burn more calories, thus losing more weight. This has been shown in a 2016 study.

Putting it in plainer terms, white fat is firm while brown fat is pliable. White fat is designed for the longer-term storage of energy. Brown fat is more for immediate use. By converting white fat into brown, it allows the body to utilize it more readily.



Choosing the Perfect CBD Product for You

It is a lot easier to see how beneficial CBD is in losing weight, but which CBD product should you use? Not all products are for all people. Luckily, there are plenty for you to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular products on the market for utilizing CBD.



CBD Oils

CBD oils can be utilized in many different ways. Among the most popular ways is through the use of CBD tinctures. In the case of the tincture, drop the oil under your tongue or mix it into your favorite beverage.

Oils can also be used for you to add to your food, in drinks, and to make your own tinctures. A few drops in your food are a great way to manage your CBD intake and make it easy for you to carry your CBD with you everywhere you go.



CBD Capsules

If you prefer not to have any possibility of tasting CBD, you may want to consider using capsules. Taken as you would any other oral supplement, this is also a great way to have better control overdosage. Every capsule is already measured out with a specific dose amount. All you will need to do is to regulate the times of day you will take the capsules.



CBD Gummies

One of the more delicious ways to use CBD is in the form of gummies. Simply eat these as you would any other gummy candy. They are available in many different flavors, so you do not have to worry about getting tired of them. The only drawback to gummies and capsules is they will have to be digested before they will take effect. This can create a delay of anywhere from 45 minutes to hours.



CBD Topicals

Topical solutions are a very convenient way to administer CBD. Use as you would any other lotion. Simply rub it on your skin and you will have a boost of CBD. Keep in mind this is also the lowest format for the body to absorb CBD into the bloodstream. However, when applied directly to where pain and inflammation occur, it has the ability to interact directly with these receptors for an immediate effect.



Risks to Consider

As with anything, there can be risks when taking CBD. For instance, there is a possibility of having an adverse reaction when taking an excessive dose. The greater danger comes in the form of taking CBD along with other medications, as shown in this article. As such, it is always a good idea to discuss with your doctor your intent to take CBD if you are taking prescribed medication. Additionally, you should start with a low dosage of CBD and increase slowly until you are feeling the desired effects. Always consult with your physician before using any new supplements.



Could CBD Promote Weight Gain?

While the majority of people will enjoy weight loss through CBD, there is the chance it can cause you to gain weight. This was shown in two different studies. In one, involving adolescents, the study showed a 30% likelihood of weight gain through increased appetite. A different study involving adults showed a 6.35% increase in appetite. The evidence suggests that while there is the chance of your appetite increasing, the higher likelihood is that you will enjoy a decrease in appetite.



The Bottom Line

CBD is a good supplement for you to consider if you are trying to lose weight. While results may vary, the evidence is in favor of the ability to assist in losing weight. Take into consideration the myriad of other benefits CBD has been shown to offer. Even if you are not able to lose weight while taking CBD, there is a good likelihood it can offer other benefits. You can get started today if you are ready!





Author Note: Michael is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com. Technology and fitness combined with healthy lifestyle obsession are his main talking points.