Can CBD Help You Lose Weight?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound attracting a lot of popularity in the natural health world. CBD is one of the compounds called cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Studies have shown that CBD can aid in weight loss management and reduce risks of other weight-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
CBD and weight loss
There have been many studies that support taking CBD may help a person lose weight. Taking CBD aids in weight loss due to how it works in the body.
The body has a built-in endocannabinoid system. This system responds to different compounds in the body through two cannabinoids (CB) receptors, called the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Usually, CB1 receptors exist mainly in the brain and central nervous system and are almost nonexistent in the rest of the body. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, exist throughout the body.
In people who are overweight, however, CB1 receptors become more widespread, especially in fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between the activation of the CB1 receptors and obesity.
CBD does not activate the CB receptors directly, instead of influencing the body’s natural cannabinoids to either block off or activate the receptors. This may play a role in weight loss or other critical metabolic functions.
Research Finds
Reduces appetite
Many proponents say that CBD can help a person lose weight by reducing their appetite.
The authors of a recent study 2018 study note, CB1 receptor antagonists may help reduce appetite and control obesity. This is because CB1 receptor antagonists block off or “deactivate” the receptor.
CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors but may influence other molecules to block them off. Shutting off these receptors may help reduce the appetite and prevent overeating.
An older animal study from 2012 found that exposure to CBD reduced appetite in rats. Many studies like these suggest that CBD is helpful for appetite suppression.
Turns bad fat into good fat
Proponents of CBD for weight loss also claim that it can convert white, or “bad,” fat into brown fat, which may help the body burn calories.
White fat may also increase the risk of many chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
A 2016 study helps back up this claim. The researchers found that CBD plays multiple roles in how the body interacts with fat.
Not only did CBD help convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, but it also stimulated the body to break down fats more efficiently.
The researchers note that CBD may be a promising therapy for preventing obesity.
Burns fat
Another finding is that CBD melts away fat in the body by breaking down the fat and helping eliminate it from the body as waste.
Research from 2018 helps explain this phenomenon. The process of turning white fat cells to brown fat cells actually changes how these cells act in the body.
Brown fat cells may be a more active form of fat. They burn off energy as heat, meaning that they actually burn calories.
As a loss of calories is vital for weight loss, CBD may help burn fat if it turns white fat to brown fat in the body.
Reduces the risk of metabolic disorders
As other 2018 research notes, there is a close link between obesity and several metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The overactivation of the CB receptors in the body may be partly responsible for this. Overactivation of the CB1 receptors in the fat tissue throughout the body could contribute to obesity and metabolic risks.
CBD helps block off the CB1 receptors, meaning that it might reduce the risk of obesity.
A review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research also notes some highlights of past studies surrounding CBD and metabolic factors, mainly in animal models.
For instance, a treatment using CBD reduced total cholesterol by 25 percent in obese rats. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD also appeared to decrease blood sugar levels and increase markers for liver health.
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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.
Losing weight requires restful sleep, adequate recovery from tough workouts, and the ability to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum — taking Blackbird Creek Farms CBD daily helps you maintain a healthy body so you can better reach your weight loss goals.
