Let’s be honest – with so much hype surrounding CBD, particularly with vast claims (which some of are FAR from the truth) it’s easy to kick back and wonder does CBD really do what it claims to do?
And can it help us lose weight in a way that’s both safe and effective?
I mean, given it’s packed with so many wonderful health perks so far, it really wouldn’t be surprising but let’s investigate!
Does CBD actually support weight loss?
Firstly, CBD is not specifically marketed for weight loss and it shouldn’t be as weight loss isn’t the main effect caused by consuming CBD.
Anyone who markets it as that is doing so wrongly.
However, despite it not being marketed solely for weight loss, it does help on the journey to losing weight.
For starters, there’s no psychoactive effect to CBD as it doesn’t contain the large amounts of THC that weed has, therefore you won’t experience any “munchies” or sedated effects.
(Related: Hemp Vs Marijuana | Their Differences & All You Need to Know)
CBD also lowers stress and anxiety which in turn should lower cortisol levels.
Cortisol is a hormone that’s triggered by stress – think of it as your body’s built-in alarm system.
When triggered, our cortisol goes into “panic mode” and causes us to store fat.
Studies show that stress is intimately linked to weight gain thanks to the hormone cortisol.
However, if we lower our stress levels then we’re likelier to avoid weight gain because the built-in alarm isn’t triggered.
If we combine all of this information with the fact CBD actually helps suppress our appetites and burn fat, then we’re really onto a winning herbal dietary supplement.
The real question is – how does it work? And how do we ensure it really works efficiently?
Let’s go a little deeper…
CBD Suppresses appetite
One of the most asked questions is: will CBD trigger my munchies or hinder them?
The good news is CBD actually keeps the midnight snack attacks at bay.
Let’s take a look at how this works and what it means for you.
The cannabinoids in CBD work on your body’s endocannabinoid system which is known as one of the most important systems in the human body after the immune system.
The endocannabinoid system organizes and regulates our everyday functions like sleep, appetite
Now, let’s talk details.
You have two cannabinoid receptors (amongst others), but these two are known as CB1 and CB2.
Studies have found that the endocannabinoid system plays an important in homeostasis – the process in which the human body balances sleep, mood
Researchers believe this is why CBD is actually able to impact appetite and is great for cancer patients who need to adjust their appetite due to chemotherapy treatment.
(Related: Hemp Oil Vs CBD Oil | An Easy & Accurate Explanation)
As it’s an active compound, it adapts and helps those who are overweight to curb cravings but in turn helps those without an appetite to develop one and as a result, eat the food that their body so desperately needs.
Not convinced? You should be and let’s figure out why.
A published study tested the impact of the three cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, and CBG) and the results were surprising.
CBN increased the appetite of the lab rats whereas CBD and CBD both decreased their appetites. While this doesn’t mean CBD is medically guaranteed to help you shed lbs, it definitely is a strong indication that it can suppress our appetites.
As a side note – CBD helps suppress your appetite, but if you’re wondering will it kickstart your metabolism then you best keep reading.
CBD may boost metabolism
What you’re probably wondering: will CBD boost my metabolism?
If so, you’re not the first to ask this question and you won’t be the last to ask it.
That being said, it’s time we burst your bubble…a little.
CBD may boost your metabolism but it isn’t rocket fuel that’ll help you shed 14 lbs in a week.
Sorry if that’s not what you want to hear, but CBD is by no means a quick fix!
If you read any such claims regarding CBD products, then approach with caution as they’re most likely junk. So let’s get fact from fiction ironed out.
A study published several years ago actually found that CBD sparked a process known as “fat browning”.
This process is interesting and if you want to know will it aid your weight loss journey – then listen up.
In short, brown fat is known as the deposit of fat that produces heat and increases energy expenditure.
In the human body, there are two types of fat: white adipose fat tissue and brown adipose fat tissue.
When we’re born we have brown fat, but as we hit adulthood our bodies are full of white fat. So – why’s this of interest?
Because brown fat helps you burn calories.
In fact, these claims can be backed up – a study found that the endocannabinoid system can stimulate areas of the body linked to metabolism like the GI tract.
So how does it work? Well, anandamide and 2-AG are naturally-occurring compounds that interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Seeing as the CBD stimulates receptors, it could actually metabolize other compounds absorbed from food during digestion which in turn suggests the human body would lose weight.
How to dose CBD for weight loss
CBD is great, but in order to reap as many benefits from it as possible you should know how to dose correctly.
Firstly, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different which means there are a variety of factors to consider when dosing.
Those factors include your genetics, weight, ethnicity, health, whether you’ve used CBD before and your gender.
For example, one person may find 20 mg of CBD per day works great and helps suppress their appetite whereas others (of a similar weight, body type etc) may require more – a lot more – like 50mg per day.
So if you’re unsure of where to start, the best place is to start with a small dose and work your way up each day until you feel the desired effects.
By small, we recommend around 5 mg per day and raise the amount daily until you experience relief.
If you consistently do this over a 30 day period then you’ll feel the full range of CBD’s effects.
It’s also worth noting that CBD will not help you lose a truck tonne of weight without proper diet and exercise.
It isn’t a fad supplement nor is it some sort of miracle cure – it will, however, help aid your weight loss journey if you pair it with a calorie deficit diet and exercise.
Basically, eat good foods and burn more calories than you consume while consuming CBD oil and you’ll be well on your way to losing the weight you really want to lose.
Is CBD for weight loss legit or fake?
Despite what the naysayers may say – CBD is an effective assistant in a weight loss journey.
However, that being said the positive effects of CBD can only be experienced if you consume enough and if it’s high-quality CBD.
Plus, you need to ensure you’re pairing it with a diet and exercise regime that will help you lose weight even if you weren’t taking CBD.
Based on the scientific evidence that’s out there – you can rest assured that CBD is legit and actually works as a weight loss supplement.
As time passes, more evidence will definitely crop up that will continue to back this up.
In fact, other studies have already shown that CBD can help curb hunger pangs, boost metabolism and even control insulin levels in diabetics.
Also, CBD has been shown to help with anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. In short – if you combine a high-quality CBD oil with the right diet and exercise then you will inevitably lose weight.
It’s also worth checking online to see what others are saying about CBD oil – especially anyone with body weight and genetic history similar to yours – this could be an invaluable way of getting quick feedback on how much CBD to administer in the initial stages of taking it.
(Related: Does CBD Show Up On Drug Tests? Maybe. Here’s The Facts…)
Summary
So what’s the final verdict?
While CBD studies and trials relating to weight loss have yet to be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, it’s clear the results show that they do impact a person’s ability to lose weight.
And for the record, the FDA doesn’t evaluate any
It’s incredibly important you remember CBD can help improve your metabolic rate and also suppress your appetite but it won’t work if you eat more calories than your body burns.
If you consistently consume the correct amount of CBD, eat the right foods and exercise then you will definitely lose weight. Better yet – you’ll turn your fat into brown fat which burns even more fat!
