Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from cannabis among hundreds of other compounds all referred to as cannabinoids. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid at 40 percent after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is made available as an oil-based extract which can be packaged as sprays, topical creams, lozenges, and in other possible forms. If you are looking for the best vaping devices, read Paintthemoon article. 

CBD has been hailed for numerous benefits such as natural pain relief, relief from anxiety, anti-inflammation, weight loss, and better heart and brain health. CBD prevents the breakdown of anandamide in the brain which helps to boost brain function and relieve pain. CBD will also aid in the production of cytokines which aid in reducing inflammation. It is important to note that CBD will not produce psychoactive effects associated with giving a high. 

CBD and Weight Loss

CBD has been found to offer weight loss benefits even though further ongoing research seek to reveal more about the weight loss properties of CBD. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system which responds through cannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1 and CB2 receptors. Even though the CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, they have been found to be spread throughout the body in the fatty tissue of obese people. Due to this spread, researchers believe the best CBD oil for weight loss has a link to metabolic function with the activation of CB1 receptors in obesity. Some of the benefits of CBD in weight loss include:

  • Boosts Metabolism and Minimizes Food Intake

CBD has been shown to minimize food intake and boost metabolism which promotes weight loss. Reduced calorific intake and a higher metabolic rate will ensure that you achieve weight loss. 

Studies undertaken in rats indicate commendable CBD weight loss results. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain and lymphoid tissue. The CB1 and CB2 receptors play a critical role in food intake and metabolism. CBD in itself will not deactivate CB1 receptors but triggers other molecules to bind to the CB1 receptors and agonize them. These agonists triggered by CBD will effectively reduce appetite and prevent overeating. The rats were injected with varying doses of CBD doses and produced significant weight loss results. The higher doses produced the most significant weight loss effects. More research will be required to ascertain similar results of CBD on weight loss in human beings. 

  • CBD Increases Browning Of Fat Cells

The body has two different types of fat – white and brown fat. White fat is the more common type of fat and store energy, cushions internal organs, and insulation of the body. White fat is also associated with onset of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Brown fat is considerably the healthier type of fat. Brown fat is used to generate heat through the burning of calories. People with healthy body weight have larger amounts of brown fat compared to overweight people and herein lies CBD oil weight loss success stories.

CBD has been shown to facilitate the process of turning white fat cells into brown fat cells. Experts recommend CBD since it also promotes the efficient use of white fat in metabolic functions. White fat is normally converted into brown fat through adequate sleep, exercise, and exposure cold temperatures. 

  • Lowers The Risk Of Metabolic Disease

Being overweight and obesity has been linked to metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It is thought that over activation of CB receptors in the body is responsible for obesity and metabolic disorders. 

CBD will block the CB1 receptors which leads to lowered risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. Study carried out in rats indicated that CBD use lead to decreased levels of total cholesterol by 25 percent in obese rats.  Reduction of total cholesterol has benefits such as increase in the markers for liver health. CBD has other benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. 

  • General Marijuana Use associated with Lower Body Weight

Even though marijuana use is commonly linked with increased food intake. People who consistently use marijuana products tend to have lower body weight compared to people who don’t use marijuana. 

CBD weight loss stories are best exemplified by a study of more than 50,000 people that revealed that people who used cannabis for at least 3 days every week has an obesity rate of 14-17 percent compared to an obesity rate of 22-25 percent among those who reported having not used marijuana in the last 12 months. 

CBD being one of the major components in marijuana, it is thought to have a role in the link to weight loss. Even though it is not yet very clear, it is thought that cannabinoids have a role in metabolism, appetite and weight dependent body functions. 

  • Conversely, CBD May Cause Weight Gain

Several studies have shown that CBD increases appetite which may be linked to weight gain.  Additionally, people put on CBD treatment have reported increased appetite change. One study where parents of 117 parents of children with epilepsy treated with CBD were interviewed reported a decrease in epilepsy symptoms and 30 percent reported an increase in their children’s appetite. Another review if about 2,409 people who regularly used CBD indicated that they have experienced increased appetite as a side effect. The study has identified factors such as the type of CBD product used and the genetics of the individual. 

More studies are required to understand the effects of CBD on weight gain since there are conflicting pieces of information with regard to CBD and its link to weight gain and weight loss. 

Weight Loss with CBD Oil: The Verdict

CBD oil is a healthy option which is worth a try. The oil is safe with numerous health benefits and has little if any side effects. With minimal research findings to support the link between CBD use and weight loss, it is not recommended to prescribe CBD for weight loss programs. You should make use of the tried and tested weight loss program with CBD oil coming in as a complimentary supplement in weight loss.  Remember that CBD oil is expensive and it is wise to try out other cheaper but more effective alternatives.