The Amazing Ways that CBD for Weight Loss May Help
CBD Basics
Since its legalization via the Farm BIll in 2018*, CBD has been gaining popularity for the benefits it can provide. Many have been making CBD part of their wellness routine for a variety of reasons. The benefits can include pain relief, anti-inflammation, stress/anxiety reduction, sleep regulation, nausea suppression, and even weight loss!
CBD is a molecule called a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are the active parts of the cannabis plant. The species cannabis is made up of two plants, hemp and marijauna. The main cannabinoid found in hemp is CBD (cannabidiol) while the main cannabinoid found in marjuana is Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is responsible for creating the feeling of being “high” when using marijuana. Hemp legally contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. So, using hemp and CBD can provide you all the benefits we mentioned, just without the “high” of marijuana.
Cannabinoids may provide you benefits by interacting with your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible, in part, for many of the physiological functions and processes that keep your body functioning at its most efficient. This balanced level of operation is called homeostasis. Now, let’s look at how CBD can interact with the ECS to help you lose weight!
Does CBD for Weight Loss Work?
Reducing Food Intake
CBD and other cannabinoids could have properties that help your body lose weight and keep weight off. The benefits occur as a result of the cannabinoids interactions with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS, explained above). The ECS plays an important role in the “regulation of food intake and energy balance”.* You may be familiar with the term “munchies” which describes someone who uses marijuana having quite the appetite. Well, in contrast to that, studies have shown that CBD may decrease food consumption. This occurs through CBD’s interaction with the ECS and the production of leptin which plays an important role in food intake”.*,*
“Browning”
CBD may also be able to help you lose weight by reducing energy storage and increasing metabolic rates.* This may occur through a process called “browning”. There is a tissue in your body called “Adipose tissue” that is made up of cells called “adipocytes”. White adipocytes play a role in the storage of fat. Brown adipocytes are involved in energy expenditure (metabolism). Finally, beige adipocytes are in the middle of the two and they can turn from white to brown. Obese individuals have less brown apidocytes than non-obese individuals. Through interaction with the ECS, CBD and other cannabinoids may help to increase levels of brown adipocytes.*,*
Managing Pain, Inflammation, Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep
Despite the promising findings discussed above, using CBD for weight loss is most likely not as straight-forward as taking some CBD and then you all of a sudden lose a bunch of weight. Think of CBD as a tool in your wellness belt to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. There are many factors that can cause us to gain weight or make it hard for us to lose that weight. Proper diet and exercise are absolutely crucial. That being said, we know there can be obstacles that make it difficult.
Heavier individuals may find physical exercise causes them pain and/or inflammation that makes it hard to consistently work out. The weight may also be what is causing pain so it is a bit of a double-edged sword.* Someone with high levels of anxiety may find it difficult to take those first steps to developing a workout routine. Gym-anxiety is a real thing and very common!
If you have trouble sleeping, it can be difficult to have the energy or be motivated to workout and eat properly. This is where CBD comes into play. CBD has well documented anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, pain management, and sleep aid properties.*,*,*,* Imagine waking up well-rested, pain-free, and excited to get active. Then imagine still feeling that way even after a good workout and healthy meal. CBD for weight loss may be able to help you get your mind and body in a place where taking the steps to a healthier life becomes a bit easier.
Finding High Quality CBD Products for Weight Loss
Despite the seemingly endless supply of CBD companies to choose from, finding high-quality CBD products can be easier than you think. First, you want to be able to easily find up-to-date lab-test results on the company’s website. These results should verify that the levels of CBD are at least what is advertised and that the levels of Delta-9 THC are below the legal limit of 0.3%. At this limit, CBD products will not cause you to fail a drug test and will not make you “high”. If you have any specific questions, a company representative should be able to provide you with a knowledgeable, timely answer.
Once you have found a company you like, the type of CBD product you choose can change how CBD will affect you. Topical CBD products like Muscle Gels and Pain Relief Salves are great for targeted relief. Achy muscles joints beware! Products like Vegan Gummies, CBD Flower, CBD Vapes, or CBD Tinctures may be more useful for deeper pain, anxiety/stress, and restlessness. For more information about how different types of CBD products will affect you, read our articles here and here.
Dosing with CBD for Weight Loss
When it comes to finding that perfect dose of CBD for weight loss, everyone’s a little different. Factors that affect dosing include weight, metabolism, age, and how severe what you are trying to manage is. For example, someone with higher levels of pain may require more CBD than someone with mild pain. To find your perfect dose, we suggest starting low and building up slowly. Start with a dose of about 10-20mg then wait about 4-6 hours before taking more.
During this time, take note of how you feel (tiredness, pain, stress, anxiety, hunger, etc.) on a scale of 1-10. After 4-6 hours, if you feel like a higher dose would be more beneficial, go ahead and jump that up to about 15-30mg. Again, take note of how you feel on a scale of 1-10. Doing this will help you to develop a better understanding of how a particular dose of CBD will affect you. Thrive Flower offers 1-on-1 dosing assistance if you would like some help.
