Can CBD Help Me Lose Weight?
Nothing says January like new weight loss goals.
Every new year, thousands of Americans vow to eat healthier and exercise more. Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions people make, according to various survey websites. Unfortunately, most people give up before January is even finished, with many new gym membership-holders quitting before February even rolls around.
Fun facts aside, if you’re looking to lose weight this year and get healthier, you may want to try using CBD for weight loss. Yes, you read that right, CBD! Research has shown that there may be a link between CBD and weight loss.
Unlike THC, which induces hunger, CBD may be an effective appetite suppressant. Additionally, CBD does not have psychoactive effects that THC does, meaning you will not get a head high from using CBD products. Which CBD is best for weight loss? First, we'll look into how CBD helps with weight loss.
How does CBD promote weight loss?
Over 40 percent of the United States population suffers from obesity, which is a worrying trend. Obesity is a serious health risk with severe consequences including a heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several cancers. To help alleviate this, some are turning to CBD for help with weight loss.
Treating obesity entails reducing calories and developing healthier eating habits. Research shows that CBD may be able to help you achieve this. Here are a few of the ways that CBD may help you to lose weight:
- Boosting metabolism and decreasing food intake
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a natural system in your body that helps regulate several processes including appetite and digestion. Here's a basic explanation of how it works:
There are two receptors present in the ECS: CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors may affect the rate at which your body burns calories used by the muscles. CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors, which helps delay the Resting Metabolic Process (RMR). The RMR is the rate at which the food you consume is turned to energy. With a delayed RMR, the urge to eat may decrease.
CB2 receptors may also promote anti-obesity effects. A two-week study conducted on rats helped highlight this. The scientists would inject varying doses of CBD per pound of body weight (1.1 mg and 2.3mg) daily over two weeks. The result was a reduction in body weight in the rats, with those that received higher doses losing the most weight.
- Lowering ECS activity
Naturally, the ECS activity affects the type of food you eat. Another study conducted on rats highlighted the ECS's role in the increased cravings of high-fat and high-sugar foods. Because CBD is a CB1 antagonist, the introduction of CBD reduces ECS activities, which lowers appetite levels. The study shows that when injected with CBD, the rats' appetite for high-fat and high-sugar foods significantly reduced.
- "Browning" of white fat cells
Your body has two types of fat: brown and white. Brown fat is responsible for burning calories, which eventually generates heat to keep you warm. On the other hand, white fat is the one responsible for storing and distributing energy throughout the body. It is also responsible for cushioning and insulating your organs.
Essentially, being obese means that you have more white fat than brown fat. White fat can convert to brown fat when you exercise, are exposed to cold temperatures, and when you get adequate sleep. Studies suggest that CBD may also aid in the conversion of white fat to brown fat (this process is called “browning”) and it may help activate current brown fat to decrease obesity.
- Improving sleep and reducing anxiety
CBD has also been shown to help improve sleep by reducing anxiety levels. This study published in 2019 shows that regular use of CBD helped patients decrease their anxiety and improve their sleep. Getting quality rest can greatly improve weight loss efforts.
Marijuana and Body Weight
As mentioned, marijuana does affect body weight. A study published in 2014 highlighted a correlation between people with lower obesity rates and marijuana use. A review conducted on the participants showed lower rates of obesity infrequent marijuana users as compared to non-users.
This may illustrate that CBD has the potential to help in weight loss since it is one of the most prevalent cannabinoid compounds present in marijuana, although more research needs to be conducted.
Types of CBD Products
Before you decide which CBD is best for weight loss, you first need to know the types of CBD products available.
- CBD isolate
CBD isolate products are what you may call "pure CBD products." This is because they do not contain any other compounds. They are popular among first-time CBD users because they help them gauge the effectiveness of CBD without interference from other compounds. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that CBD isolate products do not contain any THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD
Unlike CBD isolates, full-spectrum CBD products contain low quantities of THC. Federal law stipulates that the THC levels in a full-spectrum CBD should not be more than 0.3%. This ensures full-spectrum CBD users do not get the 'high' effect that is caused by high levels of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain several compounds present in the cannabis plants in addition to cannabinoids (CBD). The compounds present include CBN, CBC, or terpenes such as pinene. Most do not contain THC, but you will find trace quantities in some products.
How do I use CBD for weight loss?
CBD is sold in several forms. It’s important to note that the type of product used can affect how fast CBD is absorbed in the body. Deciding on which CBD is best for weight loss depends on its effectiveness and also your preference.
Perhaps the most popular choice for taking CBD is through a sublingual CBD tincture.
CBD oils should ideally be placed under the tongue to allow quick absorption into the bloodstream. This is called the “sublingual” method, and it allows your body to utilize the CBD faster than if it was primarily absorbed through the stomach. Using a tincture of CBD oil is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take CBD.
Dosage
The dosage will vary with the product you choose. Ideally, you will have to start with small doses to give the body time to get used to it. The dose may need to increase gradually to achieve the results you want.
The amount you will be required to take will depend on several factors, including:
- Your weight - the heavier you are, the larger the dosage needed
- Your body chemistry
- The concentration of the product - some products contain more CBD per milligram of oil. The more concentrated the product is, the lesser the dosage needed.
It’s always best to seek professional advice from your healthcare provider. Speak to your primary care physician about your weight loss goals and your desire to use CBD. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and also monitor your progress.
What to Look for When Choosing CBD for Weight Loss Products
Nothing beats an informed decision. After deciding with your doctor's help which CBD is best for weight loss, the next step is getting the product. Before buying, always check:
- If the products are third-party tested. Third-party testing is done by independent and unbiased laboratory organizations. They aim to determine the product's compliance with specific safety and quality standards.
- If it's manufactured using US-grown hemp. U.S-grown hemp has to comply with regulations stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. This ensures that the product has complied with regulations regarding THC levels.
- That it contains less than 0.3 percent THC. - All CBD products sold legally in the United States must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. High amounts of THC may cause psychoactive effects.
This information is often on the packaging and explained in detail on reputable CBD company websites. Avoid products that lack this information.
All of our Wellness Garden Medicinal CBD products check these boxes. Our sublingual CBD isolate is third-party tested, from U.S. grown hemp, and doesn’t contain any THC. You can trust that our CBD is high-quality, safe, and effective.
How long does CBD for weight loss take to work?
As we've mentioned, CBD isn't one-size-fits-all. The type, concentration, and in some aspects, the brand of CBD will impact the time it takes to see results. It's not a magic potion that works overnight. Boy, what wouldn’t we give to have a magic weight-loss solution?
Losing weight takes time and effort.
Regardless of the supplements you take and the methods you use, you ultimately need to develop a healthier lifestyle to experience long-term results. Eating smaller portion sizes, opting for healthier food choices, getting more sleep, and incorporating more exercise into your day are all important components of a successful weight loss regimen. CBD may be an additional useful tool to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Are there any side effects?
CBD is generally very safe. However, some people have reported mild side effects, including tiredness. Also, if you are on medication, you should consult with your doctor to avoid negative interactions between CBD and certain medications.
CBD may also increase drowsiness when taken with alcohol. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid CBD unless their doctor gives the go-ahead until more research is conducted. However, most people do not experience side effects as CBD is overall safe and effective. Many opt to use CBD instead of certain medications because it is all-natural and doesn’t have addictive or harmful ingredients.
In Conclusion
Do you want to lose weight this year? Are you hoping to feel healthier and stronger? Good for you. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for a good quality of life. While there are many different aspects involved in losing weight, including eating healthier and getting more physical exercise, CBD can be a helpful tool as well. Give CBD oil a try and see how it can help you achieve your health goals.
