CBD For Weight-Loss: How Effective Could It Be?

It seems like the weight loss industry is as old as time itself. Ever since the dawn of man, humans have had two motivations: looking good in order to attract a mate and feeling good in terms of being in good overall health. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the weight loss industry remains one of the top industries in the world as it combines these two natural biological instincts. Because of the massive weight loss market, weight loss fads have come and gone with some being more questionable than others.

If you’ve been paying attention to the natural health world, you know that CBD is being touted as the end-all-be-all of holistic products. It seems that this plant-based compound can soothe anxiety, ease menstrual cramps and obliterate migraines. CBD advocates may have also come across a fascinating bit of research that shows that this compound may have the ability to aid in weight loss in a way that’s relatively safe and completely natural.

So, can CBD actually help a person lose weight? In order to answer that question, we’re going to have to get into the unique way in which this cannabinoid interacts with the human body while diving into some of the studies that support this claim.

What’s with the Weight Loss Craze, Anyway?

A disturbingly large number of Americans are considered overweight according to clinical standards, with an equally alarming percentage being obese. As we know, being overweight can be extremely taxing on a person’s health. Obesity and being overweight can lead to all types of health conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes. And, being overweight can actually decrease a person’s life expectancy.

Besides being a health problem, being overweight can be quite damaging to a person’s sense of self-confidence. Unfortunately, we live in a society which continues to value appearances, which means that those who are overweight tend to feel as though they are not accepted according to social standards. Therefore, it’s no surprise that weight loss is a trend that never has and probably never will go away.

The Most Popular Weight Loss Methods of the Moment

Throughout the ages, weight loss fads have come and gone. Of course, we know that the most effective way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. The problem is that diet and exercise won’t necessarily help a person reach what’s considered a healthy body weight, because we now know that certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can make it extremely difficult for a person to lose weight, even if they’re doing everything right according to doctors.

There have always been questionable weight loss products on the market, and today’s are just as potentially dangerous as the ones that were introduced in the Victorian era. Particularly concerning is the trend of detox teas that act as aggressive laxatives that can actually disrupt the digestive tract. And, of course, crash diets continue to be popular despite the fact that they can lead to extremely dangerous results.

Needless to say, most weight loss fads should be avoided because they lack the medical research to back them up, meaning that they can be harmful to a person’s health, not to mention ineffective.

The Endocannabinoid System

The human body benefits very much from cannabinoids, as it turns out, and that’s because of the endocannabinoid system. This crucial system is found in every mammal and plays a large role in the maintenance of homeostasis, which is a state in which all of the bodily processes are operating properly. The endocannabinoid system makes its own cannabinoids that are distributed throughout the body in order to bond with cannabinoid receptors. This fascinating system ensures that bodily processes such as immune function, cognitive function, mood and pain tolerance are regulated.

If a person is naturally deficient in cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system will struggle to do its job. CBD is a natural cannabinoid that comes from the hemp plant, and it’s capable of replenishing our supply of cannabinoids in order to help the body maintain overall health.

There are many bodily processes that have a direct impact on our weight. For instance, thyroid function has a heavy influence on our metabolism. The endocannabinoid system plays a large role in balancing thyroid function. There are other factors as well such as inflammation levels and mood that can affect how we gain and lose weight.

Anti-Inflammatory Compounds and White Adipose Tissue

It’s believed that those who are obese have inflammation of the white adipose tissue which presents itself in the form of body fat. Therefore, medical researchers believe that high levels of bodily inflammation are linked to a greater chance of becoming obese.

What’s fascinating is that CBD has been found to have an extremely high level of anti-inflammatory activity, meaning that it can affect the inflammation of white adipose tissue. It helps break down the tissue by reducing the inflammation that sustains it in the body. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are so profound that many believe it’s one of the few highly effective treatments for migraine headaches as well as chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

The Role of “Mood” in Weight\

Many studies have found a link between chronic stress and weight gain, as well as chronic stress and compulsive eating. Excessive cortisol in the blood can cause the body to hold onto fat as a way to store energy in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Meanwhile, high levels of stress can cause a person to overeat as a form of self-medication.

CBD has the unique ability to reduce the chances of overeating by regulating the amount of cortisol that’s secreted from the brain during moments of stress.

Studies Linking CBD Consumption to Weight Loss

A recent study found that CBD intake can promote the browning of adipose tissue. When white adipose tissue experiences browning, it means that fat cells are being broken down by the body properly. This can lead to weight loss.

Another study found that rats lost weight when they were given CBD oil. The research found that CB2 receptors may be responsible for regulating body weight.

Taking CBD as a Potential Weight Loss Aid

If you wish to use CBD for weight loss, we recommend finding a high-quality, potent tincture and taking it daily. You may increase your dose as needed.

Overall, CBD seems to be able to benefit the body in a wide variety of ways thanks to the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it might be able to help a person manage their body weight. We suggest giving it a try and seeing for yourself if it’s capable of delivering the results that you desire.

However, it’s a good idea first, to consult with your doctor or physician.