Can CBD Help Support Weight Loss and Metabolism?

Recently, there has been major enthusiasm concerning CBD oil. It is growing in popularity, which has led researchers to examine whether it can be used to reduce weight. Read on to discover CBD, its therapeutic benefits, and whether it can be used to reduce weight.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound extracted from hemp, a plant strain of the cannabis plant. It is the second most common component of cannabis. There are more than 100 such compounds, collectively known as cannabinoids. CBD became popular after Congress passed the Farm Bill in 2018, which led to the removal of hemp from the legal definition of marijuana. However, state governments were mandated to develop laws regulating the use of CBD in their state, despite it being legalized under Federal law. Therefore, CBD products should only contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. CBD can be processed into vapes, gummies, pills, edibles, and capsules.

 The Background Information of CBD Oil

As mentioned, CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp. Unlike THC, that's also closely studied, CBD oil is not linked to the 'high' sensation caused by THC and may not result in psychoactive effects. Therefore, it is widely marketed to alleviate various conditions such as acne, muscle pains, and inflammation. It is available as isolate (99.9% or more pure CBD with no other cannabinoids), full-spectrum (CBD and other cannabinoids such as THC, CBG, CBT, and CBN present), and broad-spectrum formulations with all cannabinoids but THC. Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil are linked to the full entourage effect because they have various cannabinoids that synergize to enhance CBD's therapeutic effects.

There are many forms of CBD oil, including topical (serums, sticks, patches, lotions, massage oils, bath bombs, and more), edibles (gummies, tablets, chocolates, brownies), soft gels or capsules, oils, and tinctures, smokables (hemp flower) and vapes (vape pens and cartridges). These products are readily available in several convenience stores and health/cosmetics stores.

How CBD Oil May Help with Weight Loss

Improving Sleep Quality

According to Moltke et al. (2021), CBD oil can potentially improve an individual's sleep quality. A good night's sleep directly plays a key role in facilitating weight loss. As experts suggest, proper rest is one of the most important and overlooked factors in weight loss. Inadequate sleep can cause reduced appetite, low metabolism, and reduced energy levels that are counter-intuitive to a person aiming to lose weight. Sleep also plays a significant role in the regeneration of body cells. Taking CBD at night makes it easier for someone to increase their energy levels, reduce anxiety, and relax better.

Pain Relief

According to Eskander et al. (2020), CBD oil can effectively alleviate chronic pain. Other studies have also examined the effects of CBD on arthritis patients, reporting a significant decrease in pain and inflammation with no adverse side effects. If chronic pain hinders you from exercising, CBD can provide much-needed relief to restart your fitness journey, which can help with weight loss.

Increasing Metabolism

Cooray et al. (2019) suggested that CBD oil interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is key in regulating appetite and metabolism. Therefore, this interaction may benefit weight loss by increasing metabolism. CBD oil can help activate CB2 receptors, leading to the transmission of impulses that reduce muscle pains and inflammation.

Further research examining the effect of CBD on human metabolism indicates that adults have several white fat cells. These cells take over the fat storage responsibility and are found under the skin and in the abdominal cavity. Other fat cells, called brown fat cells, are sparse and found in the shoulder blades and spinal cord. An increased number of brown fat cells in the body promote weight loss because these cells are associated with better overall health.

According to, CBD can potentially interact with the brown fat cells by promoting transdifferentiation. Transdifferentiation refers to converting fat white cells into brown fat cells. As more white fat cells are converted to brown fat cells, lipid metabolism (fat burning) increases.

Improved Mood

While CBD's stress-relieving properties may not seem to affect weight loss directly, experts suggest otherwise.

CBD oil can lift people's moods and give them more motivation to exercise. It can reduce pain and inflammation frequently after an intense workout session. Furthermore, cannabidiol is a good remedy for anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Motivation is a critical factor in whether or not many people reach their fitness goals, which is why CBD supplementation can give you the boost you need to exercise and stick to your fitness plan. Learn more about can cbd help you lose weight?

Increasing Energy

According to Liu et al. (2019), CBD oil can potentially increase the energy needed to burn extra fats responsible for the huge weight. A higher amount of stored energy means more energy is available for daily tasks and intensive workout routines.

The endocannabinoid system comprises various metabolic enzymes that signal various receptors and chemicals to distribute nutrients and store higher energy levels. On the other hand, it may increase insulin sensitivity.

Other Benefits of CBD Oil

Besides helping in weight loss, CBD has several other properties.

According to Landucci et al. (2022), CBD has anti-emetic properties that improve gastrointestinal health.

According to Sales et al. (2018), CBD has anti-depressive properties that reduce depression and high stress and anxiety levels.

According to Berg et al. (2020), CBD helps manage drug withdrawals by curbing smoking urges.

According to Dawidowicz et al. (2021), CBD has antioxidant properties that protect the skin and body tissues from oxidative stress.

Conclusion

For individuals ready to incorporate CBD into their fitness routine, research suggests that broad or full spectrum CBD is refined for better results at a lower dose, especially when compared to an isolate. Consuming CBD oil after a meal containing fat after a workout is recommended for individuals who want to absorb more CBD oil.

CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce muscle pains and inflammation. Furthermore, it has antioxidant properties that protect the skin and body tissues from oxidative stress. While purchasing CBD oil, read the product label to ensure that the product does not contain harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides. Furthermore, ensure that the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. CBD oil is available in various local convenience stores and online shops.

References

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 1-12.

Eskander, J. P., Spall, J., Spall, A., Shah, R. V., & Kaye, A. D. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment of acute and chronic back pain: A case series and literature review. J Opioid Manag, 16(3), 215-8.

Liu, T. (2019). What is CBD Oil? Learn the Facts: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects.

Landucci, E., Pellegrini-Giampietro, D. E., Gianoncelli, A., & Ribaudo, G. (2022). Cannabidiol preferentially binds TRPV2: a novel mechanism of action. Neural Regeneration Research, 17(12), 2693.

Sales, A. J., Crestani, C. C., Guimarães, F. S., & Joca, S. R. (2018). Antidepressant-like effect induced by cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 86, 255-261.

Berg, C. J., Getachew, B., Pulvers, K., Sussman, S., Wagener, T. L., Meyers, C., ... & Henriksen, L. (2020). Vape shop owners’/managers' attitudes about CBD, THC, and marijuana legal markets. Preventive Medicine Reports, 20, 101208.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current aspects of the endocannabinoid system and targeted THC and CBD phytocannabinoids as potential therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases: a review. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.