CBD for Weightloss: Does it Work?

One of the biggest reasons people use CBD oil is to help with weight loss. It is marketed in many different products in a variety of forms, but does CBD actually work for those trying to lose weight?

Here’s what we know about CBD for weightloss.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp. It belongs to a group of substances known as cannabinoids, just like THC. It’s important to understand the difference between CBD and other products of cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical found in hemp. It does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. 

Unlike marijuana, you won’t get high off of CBD, but there have been studies that suggest a multitude of health benefits from using it. It is a known antioxidant and neuroprotectant, and is commonly used for stress and anxiety relief, pain and inflammation reduction, and treating sleep deprivation.

Does CBD work for weight loss?

According to Medical News Today, studies being conducted on CBD for weight loss are promising but aren’t entirely conclusive quite yet. There is no direct research that shows that CBD can help you lose weight, but there is evidence that shows it causes symptoms and events in the body that can help those struggling with obesity.

CBD may aid weight loss due to how it affects the body and brain. The endocannaboid system responds to different chemicals in the body through two cannabinoid (CB) receptors, called the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are most dense in the brain and central nervous system and have been found to be more widespread in people struggling with obesity. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between the activation of the CB1 receptors and obesity.

There are several reasons that CBD is helpful in losing weight, and some evidence suggests it can also help prevent metabolic disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Here are some reasons current research has shown CBD works for weight loss.

Reducing appetite. 
A 2018 study showed that CB1 receptor antagonists may help reduce appetite and control obesity because CB1 receptor antagonists block off or “deactivate” the receptor. The same study noted that stimulating the CB2 receptors decreases inflammation and reduces food intake, thereby possibly helping reduce obesity.

CBD can help turn fats into good fats
Research has shown that CBD plays multiple roles in how it interacts with fat in the body. Some studies have shown that CBD can help turn white fat (or ‘bad fat”) into brown fat (or “good fat”), which can help the body burn calories. In a 2016 study, researchers found that CBD did help convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, and it even stimulated the body to break down fats more efficiently.

Exercise motivation
Dr. Clara Lawson, MD from USA Hemp explains that CBD also supports weight loss in a different way by motivating you to exercise since the substance has promising effects on your overall mood. CBD can encourage you to perform better in all parts of your life, including how you approach your weight loss goals.

How to Use CBD for Weightloss

CBD comes in oils, vapes, edibles, capsules, and even topical creams and lotions. There are also a few different types of CBD, including full-spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate. If you are using CBD to help you with weightloss, using an oil is the best way to see all the benefits.

At CBD Store of Michigan, we have a wide selection of CBD oils as well as other CBD supplements.  To get started with dosing, read over our Beginnners Guide to CBD or give us a call for a free consultation.