Can you lose weight by consuming CBD oil?

Can you lose weight by consuming CBD oil?

September 10, 2022Julien Cordobes

Overweight overweight is now one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is the source of many critical illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. Given its many consequences, several solutions are being proposed by the medical industry. Exercise remains the best-known solution, as weight loss is considered to be a matter of willpower. This is something we do not question.

However, combined with consumption of CBD, this solution could prove to be more effective. Indeed, CBD is a substance derived from the cannabis plant and is full of beneficial properties for the human metabolism. It is a means of weight loss that has been tested and approved by many consumers. It has significant effects on the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are very active in the body of an obese person.

CBD use and weight loss: we take stock in this guide.

Being overweight: a major threat to health

Losing weight is one of the biggest and best decisions in the life of an obese or overweight person. Overweight is a serious health problem and is currently linked to a large number of fatal diseases. As proof, a study conducted in 2016 by the World Health Organization found that more than 2 billion people worldwide are overweight. This figure represents approximately 13% of the global population. Worse still, it highlights the rapid rate at which obesity is growing, with statistics tripling between 1975 and 2016. 

All this shows how much men are at risk of serious diseases, including:

  • Chronic diabetes;
  • The onset of skeletal disorders;
  • Heart disease;
  • Cancerous diseases;
  • Etc.

Excessive eating habits are one of the main causes of this phenomenon. These include overconsumption of foods high in sugar and fat. In addition, there is a lack of regular physical activity and a tendency to be sedentary at every opportunity. So, if you are overweight, here is the good news. Consuming CBD could be a powerful ally in your weight loss journey. So what is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol: meaning and origin

CBD comes from its scientific name Cannabidiol. It is a substance specially extracted from the cannabis plant or hemp. It is one of the few active compounds that has positive effects on human functioning. After being extracted from the trichomes or flowers of the cannabis plant, CBD undergoes numerous transformations. This is why it is available in many forms on the market, including:

Since it was legalized for over-the-counter sale, ideas for CBD products have been flourishing. However, this is strictly in accordance with the THC content in manufacturing. Indeed, the regulation of CBD in UK limit the THC content to 0.3%. For information, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is also a substance derived from cannabis. It is present in trace amounts in almost all CBD extracts. But unlike CBD, it is a psychotropic substance, classified as a narcotic because of its stimulating effects. Now it's time to discover the interactions between CBD and excess weight. 

How does CBD interact with excess weight?

First and foremost, it is important to remember that CBD plays a key role in organic metabolism. It can help a person lose weight and minimize weight gain. Given its positive effects on the body, we will discuss five different ways in which CBD can affect excess weight. From the role of its CB1 and CB2 receptors to its antidepressant effects and its action on insulin levels, here is what you need to know:

CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and overweight

Cannabinoid receptors play an important role in weight gain. This role is mainly mediated by the endocannabinoid system of human metabolism. CB1 receptors are most widespread in the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found throughout the body. A scientific finding made during a study on obesity in 2006 revealed this. In fact, CB1 receptors in obese people are present in areas of the body where they should not be. This creates a significant link between CB1 cannabinoid receptors and excess weight.

This is where cannabidiol comes in, whose molecules regulate the endocannabinoid system in the human body. As a result, weight loss is facilitated.

CBD and the conversion of bad fats

Ways to use CBD in an overweight body also involves the conversion of bad fats. CBD particles dissolved in the body convert white fat (bad fat) into brown fat (good fat). This metabolic process is called fat browning, and it mainly stimulates good fats. CBD also helps the body burn calorie reserves through another process called lipogenesis. 

CBD and its effect on insulin levels

The role of CBD on insulin levels was highlighted in a study published on May 16, 2013. This study shows the impact of using substances such as CBD on obesity. It demonstrates that CBD is a compound that can regulate insulin levels in overweight individuals. It should be noted that insulin is a protein hormone that promotes the entry of glucose into cellular organs. In reality, obesity promotes the production of this hormone, which prevents lipogenesis. Weight loss thus becomes more difficult and the level of bad fats increases.

The function of CBD here would therefore be to normalize insulin production to help the body with lipogenesis.

Cannabidiol and its antioxidant effects: what impact does it have on excess weight?

The antioxidant effects of CBD may also play an important role in weight loss. When consumed as a dietary supplement, CBD may promote fat reduction in certain foods. Its antioxidant properties may interact perfectly with the endocannabinoid system, which is a determining factor in combating excess weight. 

CBD and its antidepressant effects: role in weight loss

It must be recognized that being overweight is not caused solely by endogenous factors. It is also, and above all, linked to the psychological state of the person affected. Several factors that have a negative impact on psychology can justify weight gain, without us even being aware of it. Lack of sleep, pain related to fatigue, stress, etc. are just a few examples. The connection between all this and CBD is that the latter has antidepressant effects.

The consumption of CBD could therefore improve psychological well-being, which undoubtedly promotes healthy eating. As a reminder, weight gain is generally caused by increased negligence, or even exaggeration, in terms of diet. Consuming CBD to sleep or to relieve anxiety could help you feel more relaxed and think about eating balanced meals. 

CBD and its appetite-suppressing effect: what role does it play in weight loss?

CBD may be a better ally for those who want to regulate their appetite. Its appetite-suppressing effects lead us to establish a link between diet and weight gain. We need to go back to a scientific study published in September 2012. It is entitled "Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposite effects on the eating habits of rats." This study conducted on rats shows that CBD has a positive effect on the hypothalamus. 

It consisted of adding cannabinoid CB (1) R on the one hand and cannabidiol on the other to the food of rodents that were already satiated. The results showed that cannabinoid increased appetite in rodents, unlike CBD. So, compared to THC, which stimulates appetite, CBD helps regulate it. Technically, if cannabidiol can help control appetite, it would also help with weight loss.

How can CBD be used to lose weight?

To date, there is no medical guidance on how to consume CBD to lose weight. However, two CBD specialists (Juliana Birnbaum and Leonard Leinow) have established appropriate dosages that an individual can consume in a day. Please note: these are only research findings and not recommendations. Beginners who want to consume CBD for weight loss are generally advised to start with a low dose and increase it over time. 

This helps minimize the risk of side effects from the product. The dosages determined by the two specialists are as follows:

The minimum dosage of cannabidiol

This is the lowest dosage defined by Juliana and Leinow. For regular CBD consumption, the recommended dose is between 0.5 and 20 mg per day. According to them, this dose is effective against bad moods, stress, nausea, sleep disorders, headaches, etc. This dose is sufficient to promote the antidepressant effects of CBD on the body, which can lead to weight loss. In addition to this aspect, it should be noted that this is the ideal dosage range for starting to take CBD.

The average dosage of CBD

The average dosage of CBD to be consumed per day for weight loss can be between 10 and 100 mg per day. This is still an indication from the two specialists mentioned above. This dosage would be ideal for relieving certain conditions caused by excess weight, including pain and inflammation. You can increase this dosage as desired, as excess weight is a matter of significant weight gain. However, care must be taken to avoid overdosing on CBD in order to prevent side effects. 

The maximum dosage of CBD

According to Juliana and Leinow in their book "CBD: A Patient's Guide to Medical Cannabis," the recommended dosage is between 100 and 800 mg of CBD per day. This dosage is also known as a therapeutic dosage. It effectively combats certain serious diseases that can result from being overweight. These include certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. As a reminder, these are only theoretical dosages. The ideal way to consume CBD is to take into account your sensitivity to the substance and the desired effects. 

Therefore, if you are already undergoing medical treatment to lose weight, it may be best to seek advice from your doctor. However, you should not consider your doctor to be a CBD specialist.

What is the best way to consume CBD for effective weight loss?

Local consumption of CBD is the most effective method for weight loss. It is also the most popular method of use, as it offers several consumption options. As a result, you can consume products made with CBD in a variety of ways and more frequently. products made with CBD to alleviate your condition.

CBD oils for weight loss

To lose weight, you can consume CBD oil sublingually by placing it under your tongue. It is up to you to determine your daily percentage using the dropper in the bottle. Alternatively, you can choose to add a few drops of CBD oil to your food when eating. This will help to balance it out better.

CBD capsules and weight loss

Like the previous product, CBD capsules provide the same positive effects on the body in terms of weight loss. They are only meant to be swallowed. This could also make them good supplements to medications. 

CBD candies and chocolates for weight loss

Wanting to lose weight means desperately wanting to break with bad habits from the past, such as addiction to sweets, chocolate, etc. The good news is that there are ways to CBD candies and even chocolates. All you need to do is replace bad habits with good ones by consuming CBD-based candies and chocolates, for example.

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