How can CBD help you lose weight?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. A molecule naturally present in hemp, it is of growing interest to people wishing to find a gentle and healthy alternative to sometimes heavy and intrusive treatments, particularly when it comes to weight loss. Indeed, it has been suggested that cannabidiol could help people who wish to go on a diet. In the rest of this article, we'll find out what the latest research has to say on the subject.
A reminder about CBD
Can CBD help you lose weight?
Some studies on CBD and weight loss
1. CBD and appetite
2. Weight loss and homeostasis
3. CBD and antioxidant effects
Diet and CBD, what you need to know
A reminder about CBD
CBD is a compound naturally present in the cannabis plant. In fact, it's a cannabinoid, just like THC and a hundred other molecules. For many, CBD remains the most interesting to study, particularly for its supposed effects on the body... Especially as it does not produce the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (the famous "high").
Today, several studies show that CBD could help treat a multitude of symptoms and conditions, including:
- stress, anxiety and depression;
- inflammation, chronic pain and muscle spasms;
- tobacco and nicotine addictions.
But in what form? CBD can be consumed in many different forms. These include CBD oils, hemp flowers, CBD capsules, CBD creams and balms and CBD e-liquids.
In fact, CBD's popularity has exploded in recent years, for all these reasons, but also and above all, because it has become legal in much of the world. In France, for example, CBD is authorized if it contains less than 0.3% THC!
Can CBD help you lose weight?
Recently, it has been suggested that CBD could be useful as part of a weight loss program. Some studies suggest that cannabidiol may help reduce appetite while boosting metabolism, which can help shed unwanted pounds.
What's more, CBD is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. In some cases, these ailments can lead to malnutrition and have a direct influence on weight gain. When you're more relaxed and in control of your body, you tend to eat better!
Finally, CBD is harmless to the body. It's an interesting alternative for people who want to combat certain ailments, sleep better and regain a state of fitness that's likely to enable them to consider or reinforce a diet.
Some studies on CBD and weight loss
Several studies have been carried out to determine the extent to which cannabidiol could be useful for weight loss. While some are only at the pre-clinical stage (animal studies), others are much more advanced and offer some initial insights.
CBD and appetite
The relationship between CBD and weight loss remains rather unclear, however. A study published in Frontiers in Immunology attempted to determine the effects of CBD on overweight rats.
In this program, rodents were treated with CBD for four weeks. The result was a significant drop in appetite and an equally significant increase in energy expenditure.
In other words, CBD acted as an appetite suppressant and restored a semblance of energy to overweight rats, which ultimately enabled them to lose weight.
Weight loss and homeostasis
Although there are as yet no conclusive studies on the effects of CBD on weight loss in humans, there is some indirect evidence to suggest that the cannabinoid could have a positive impact on those extra pounds.
In fact, CBD is said to play a major role in stress and anxiety, which it regulates through its action on cortisol (stress hormone) and serotonin (happiness hormone). It helps you to feel better, sleep better, be in a better mood and have more energy for everyday life. This ishomeostasis.
Food plays a major role in this delicate balance. In fact, when you're more relaxed, feeling good about your body and mind, it's easier to eat well and lose any extra kilos by being more active.
CBD and antioxidant effects
In 2016, researchers demonstrated that cannabidiol activates the CB1 receptors present in the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are known to help the body store fat and transform it into good or bad fat (responsible for weight gain and other cardiovascular diseases).
By regulating the action of CB1 receptors, the body is better able to sort and eliminate superfluous fat. This is white fat. The body burns calories and avoids putting on weight.
Diet and CBD, what you need to know
In summary, although we don't yet have enough conclusive scientific data about the possible effects of CBD on weight loss in humans, there are indications that it could be a potentially useful element in this process.
If you're considering using CBD as a weight loss aid, talk to your doctor beforehand so he or she can guide you to the most appropriate products and monitor your progress.
Generally speaking, oils CBD is the most recommended. Simple and quick to take, oils CBD can be carried and used at any time of day. Be careful, however, not to over-consume, as you may encounter undesirable side effects (nausea, diarrhoea).
Obesity poses significant risks to the body. It is therefore essential to preserve one's health in the face of excess weight. In terms of sleep quality, nutrition and stress, CBD consumption (in the form ofoil, herbal tea or dietary supplements) can prove to be a major ally with numerous properties.