CBD and Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know.
You know the many health benefits of cannabidiol. Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, stress-reducing, sleep-inducing… What if today, we added to this array of effects, that of aiding weight loss?
Given the spotlight on CBD in recent years, it would be normal to question this latest potential benefit. Can CBD really contribute to weight loss?
In this article, we will explore how CBD acts on our body and how it can contribute to weight loss. Of course, we will conclude by advising you on the best products to choose, how to select them, and finally, how to integrate CBD into a weight loss program! Let's get started.
Is CBD a weight loss ally or just a fad?
CBD and its impact on appetite
One of the potential effects of CBD on weight loss is its ability to reduce appetite. Did you think CBD caused munchies? Not at all! Let's quickly debunk this belief. It's THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, that stimulates appetite, not CBD!
"Joint smokers" get the munchies, CBD users don't!
Okay, but how does it work?
As a quick reminder, cannabidiol interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. These receptors play a role in our metabolism; they stimulate serotonin. Known as the happiness hormone, serotonin affects our moods, stress, and appetite!
Incidentally, a little diet tip: late-day cravings are sometimes due to a serotonin deficiency! By stimulating this hormone, CBD could thus have an effect on this feeling of hunger.
The influence of CBD on metabolism and fat burning
Even if scientific research and studies on CBD are limited, they do exist. They teach us several things (we will come back to this in the next chapter).
Let's start with a study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. This study highlighted the fact that CBD could promote the conversion of white fat into brown fat. The difference between these fat cells? White fat cells store calories as fat, while brown fat cells burn calories by generating heat. Another useful weight loss tidbit, isn't it?!
Cannabidiol could therefore influence these cells and thus promote fat burning.
Scientific evidence of CBD's effectiveness in weight loss
Preclinical and clinical studies
Here are some studies conducted on the correlation between cannabidiol and body mass.
In 2018, a preclinical study examined the effects of CBD on rats fed a high-fat diet. The results showed that CBD reduced weight gain and fat storage. CBD would also improve lipid and liver profiles in obese rats (1).
This study is the second conducted on "obese" rodents. The first was carried out in 2015 on mice. The conclusions established that CBD reduced inflammation and improved glucose and lipid metabolism in the mice studied. Although conducted on rodents, these studies highlight a promising new property of CBD.
Another clinical study published in 2018 evaluated the effects of CBD on patients with autism spectrum disorder. Although the study did not specifically focus on obesity or weight, the authors noted a reduction in body mass index (BMI) in patients who received CBD (2).
These studies suggest that CBD could have a positive impact on obesity and related factors. However, further research, particularly human clinical trials, is required to validate these results and determine the exact role of CBD in obesity and weight management.
CBD usage versus other weight loss methods: Which is more effective?
We have seen that CBD could help with weight loss; however, it is important to note that research is still limited. Currently, there are no direct comparative studies between CBD and other weight loss methods.
However, we are already certain that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is the most effective and sustainable strategy for weight loss and improving health.
Thanks to CBD's influence on appetite and its action on fat burning, it seems sensible to consider a comprehensive program combining CBD, activity, and diet. Let's see how to implement it.
CBD: a major asset for weight loss and a lasting effect!
How to integrate CBD into a weight loss program?
Let's dive into practical and concrete advice.
First, choose the right CBD product. There are many CBD products available on the market, such as oils, capsules, edibles (gummies, chocolate, infusions...), topical creams, or distillate.
For weight loss, CBD oils and capsules are generally the most recommended forms. They allow for precise dosing and easy administration.
Once again, we advise you to look for high-quality products, made from organic hemp and tested by third-party laboratories to guarantee their purity and cannabinoid content.
A quick note on prices: it's likely that these products are a bit more expensive (and even then) but a poor quality product will inevitably disappoint you!
Firstly, you won't get the expected results (less effectiveness). Secondly, it's more than likely you'll experience adverse effects (headaches, dizziness...). Finally, you'll have spent money for nothing. If your choice is dictated by economic reasons, the experience is truly a failure, isn't it?
Our advice is to compare prices and buy in bulk; often you save 5 to 15%, or even more!
Afraid of waste? No worries, products generally keep for a long time. And given the benefits, you'll always find a good use for your consumption. For uses and different properties, draw inspiration from our CBD Guide articles: cosmetics, hair, anxiety, sleep…
Back to the weight loss program!
Once the product is chosen, determine the appropriate dose. CBD dosage varies from person to person, depending on weight, tolerance, and individual needs. It is recommended to start with a low dose (for example, 5 to 10 mg per day) and gradually adjust your consumption according to your needs and tolerance. Consult our article on the subject here.
Next, find the best time to take CBD. This is up to you. It will depend on how your body reacts to cannabidiol as well as the expected effects. For weight loss, some people find it more effective to take CBD before meals to reduce appetite, while others prefer to take it in the evening to promote restful sleep and better metabolism regulation. And yes, good sleep helps with weight loss!
Others still use it to combat anxiety, reduce stress and the compulsive snacking that comes with it…
Consumption morning, noon, and night could be suitable to address these 3 effects. In this case, remember to spread your consumption throughout the day and keep a higher dose in the evening before bed.
Finally, and most importantly, be patient and consistent! Weight loss takes time and requires patience. Do not expect immediate and rapid results from CBD or any other action. Integrate CBD into a comprehensive weight loss program, including a balanced diet and physical exercise, and give it time to work!
Consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and possible drug interactions. They can help you determine if CBD is appropriate and advise you on how to integrate it into your weight loss program.
The perfect combination: a good CBD product, a balanced diet, and physical activity
No, we haven't developed a dietetics business; nevertheless, we know a few basics for leading a healthy and balanced life ;-)
Combining CBD with a balanced diet, for us, means a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and seeds! A dietitian or coach, or even an influencer in the field, will advise you better, especially for cooking balanced and healthy meals. We just have the basics: avoid fatty and sugary products.
Again, we are not sports coaches, but regular physical activity is effective for muscle strengthening, cardio, but also for the mind! For this too, CBD can help you! It improves muscle recovery. Thanks to CBD, you will have less pain, cramps, soreness, and especially more motivation! No more excuses to skip the next workout!
How to use it? After a workout, massage your muscles with a little CBD oil. There are also CBD-based creams, but if you have oil (think about buying in bulk!), you might as well put it to good (and multiple) uses.
Where to find my CBD product?
CBD is increasingly available in natural product stores and pharmacies. You can also find more and more specialized shops. You can also buy CBD online from reputable retailers.
When buying CBD, make sure to choose a trusted seller/producer. To do this, check:
- Reviews
- Provenance. Where do the plants used to make the chosen product come from? (The best: France and organic farming)
- Choose full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, effective forms thanks to the entourage effect.
If you need advice on choosing your product, consult our CBD guides: Isolate, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum? and How to consume CBD?
In summary, although research on the impact of CBD on weight loss is still limited, some studies suggest that cannabidiol can play a role in metabolism regulation, fat burning, and appetite reduction. Its benefits for sleep, stress, and pain are all assets that will allow you to easily include it in your daily life for lasting effects.
To maximize the potential benefits of CBD for weight loss, two key points to remember:
- The choice of high-quality products
- The time of day that best suits your body and your goals.
Consider consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking medication.
By combining CBD with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to weight loss.
You'll kill two birds with one stone by also improving your overall health and well-being.
