CBD For Chronic Pain Aids Weight Loss

CBD is a top pick for people looking to ease stress, minimize anxiety symptoms, and decrease pain. But did you know that some experts also recommend it as an aid for weight loss?

Although the research on the role CBD plays in weight loss is still evolving, data suggests that it may:

• improve sleep patterns
• reduce anxiety
• minimize stress
• help manage chronic pain

All of these factors can contribute to weight gain.

In fact, research from 2015 reviewed the connection between obesity and chronic pain and found that the two conditions appear to co-occur frequently, with both having a negative impact on one another. Since CBD oil has shown to reduce chronic pain, using a CBD product to minimize symptoms from chronic pain may assist with weight loss goals.

Animal studies show that CBD may also boost metabolism and reduce food intake by interacting with two receptors in your body — CB1 and CB2, which play a role in metabolism.

Boosts metabolism and reduces food intake

Research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which promotes 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 (15, 16).

In a recent 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 (17).

In another study, CBD led to a significant reduction in food intake compared to other cannabinoids, including cannabigerol and cannabinol (18).

It also has been studied that CBD may promote browning of fat cells, which is the fat responsible for generating heat by burning calories.

CBD promotes the burning 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 (19).

It’s also the type of fat most associated with chronic illnesses — such as diabetes and heart disease — when accumulated in excess (20, 21).

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 (19).

You can convert white fat to brown by exercising, getting adequate sleep, and exposing yourself to cold temperatures (22, 23).

Interestingly, research shows that CBD may aid this process. A recent study found that CBD led to “browning” in white fat cells and enhanced the expression of specific genes and proteins that promote brown fat (24).

Summary

Adjusting your diet and moving your body are important for losing weight. Although some over-the-counter products or medications may assist in the process, there’s no magic cure for shedding pounds.

That said, CBD oil may help reduce chronic conditions that hinder weight loss, like pain, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.

Research on CBD and weight loss is promising and evolving, consider talking to your doctor about how to use CBD oil on your weight loss journey.