How CBD Affects Weight-Loss: Can CBD Really Help You Lose Weight?

Updated on March 31, 2020

The wellness industry is a multibillion-dollar market, where the weight loss industry alone accounts for over $66 billion. People looking to lose weight are being offered a multitude of programs, supplements and apps to help them develop healthy routines and keep track of their progress.

Recently, there have been a number of claims that may suggest CBD can help with weight management. This comes after discovering that CBD binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the body, which are responsible for regulating several functions, including appetite. But how exactly does that work?

woman using body tape measure while measuring her waist

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/aIlAhLdwk2g

How does CBD react with your body?

First of all, it is important to understand how CBD affects the body, to determine if it can, indeed, be effective for weight loss. CBD works in relation to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made out of a number of receptors that are located throughout the body, especially in the brain, nervous system and immune system.

CBD is believed to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are responsible for regulating body functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and immunity. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD does not directly bind to those receptors, but rather stimulates the cannabinoids in the body and enhances their performance. The ECS then sends cannabinoids in the area of the body that most needs it, to maintain balance. Additional information can also be found on https://nanocraftcbd.com/blogs/post/nanocraftcbd-com-cbd-for-weight-loss

Can CBD promote weight loss?

Based on what we know so far, there are many ways CBD can act on your body and encourage weight loss.

It can suppress appetite

As opposed to THC, another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is known for having psychoactive effects and other side effects, including increased appetite, CBD may actually work the other way. It has been shown that CBD can act as a natural appetite suppressant because it interacts with CB1 receptors which can be found in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that is responsible for regulating appetite. CBD can block CB1 receptors, resulting in a decrease in appetite, as well as reduced cravings. 

May promote brown fat

Two types of fat exist in the human body: white fat and brown fat (also known as good fat). Brown fat is responsible for burning calories and generating heat, while white fat is responsible for storing energy. Usually, you can turn white fat into brown fat by exercising, getting enough sleep and having an overall balanced diet. But recent studies have shown that CBD may help aid the conversion process and brown the white fat cells. 

Can it also stimulate appetite?

While some studies show CBD can actually reduce appetite, people often associate it with an increased appetite. This happens because people who smoke cannabis usually say it causes them to be hungrier, but in fact, the cannabinoid that may increase appetite is THC, not CBD. 

Researchers are still trying to put a final verdict on it, as some studies still have conflicting results, For example, a study on 23 children with Dravet syndrome showed that, while some of them experienced increases in appetite, others experienced the exact opposite. 

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