CBD oil is a popular treatment for a wide range of symptoms and condition that has become an important part of many people’s overall wellness plans. In response, many CBD products have begun marketing themselves specifically to help with energy levels and weight loss. But does CBD actually help people on their fitness journey?
If you’re considering trying CBD for weight loss, it’s important to understand the truth behind these claims. Can CBD actually help you lose weight? If so, how does CBD oil work for weight loss? Read on to find out.
What Is CBD, and How Is It Used?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, which extracted an oil that can be applied topically or consumed orally. CBD is a cannabinoid – that is, a compound exclusively found in cannabis plants that can be used to elicit a specific desired effect. Unlike the other cannabinoid THC, CBD does not cause a ‘high”, but is used and loved for pain relief, relaxation, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Does CBD Help Weight Loss?
Studies show that in addition to its many other physical and mental health benefits, CBD has promising potential for those looking to lose weight!
Several studies that specifically link CBD to boosting metabolism and reducing food intake. In these and several other studies, rats and mice who were given CBD daily ate significantly less and reduced their overall body mass over the course of the studies. That said, there have not yet been a large number of studies done on humans looking for similar effects.
There are other studies that link CBD to the “browning” of fat cells. There are two types of fat cells in the human body: white and brown. White fat cells are the slow-burning cells that insulate your body and are stored in larger deposits (and are therefore linked to obesity). Brown fat cells burn quickly and are used by the body to produce heat rather than be stored long-term. The body converts white fat to brown fat when it’s ready to burn those stores. This process is promoted through exercise and getting adequate sleep – which, regardless of whether CBD directly promotes the browning of fat, CBD has been repeatedly proven to help improve sleep and reduce pain that might prevent exercise.
Is CBD a Dietary Supplement?
Legally, dietary supplements are defined by the FDA as “products taken by mouth that contain a dietary ingredient.” Dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or botanicals, as well as other substances that can be used to supplement the diet. Dietary supplements typically have some research behind their benefits and safe, as well as recommended daily values for nutritional purposes.
Legally, CBD and THC cannot be defined as dietary supplements according to the FDA. This is because “dietary ingredients” cannot be active ingredients in drugs approved for prescription use, or authorized for investigation as a prescription drug. To date, there is one prescription drug containing CBD and two drugs that contain THC that have been approved by the FDA. That said, any commercially available CBD can be legally sold as long as it meets the required definitions for a hemp product and complies with the Food, Drug, & Cosmetics (FD&C) Act.
Is CBD Right for Your Weight Goals?
CBD and hemp-derived products are consumer favorites for personal use to treat a variety of symptoms and help promote overall health. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise, CBD can certainly help promote a healthy lifestyle and support your efforts to reach your desired weight.
That said, every person processes CBD differently, and for some people, a healthy weight might actually mean gaining weight rather than losing it – and studies show that in some people, CBD can lead to increased appetite. Determining the way CBD works with your body happens on an individual basis. Luckily, there are very few risks when using CBD, so it’s worth trying to see if CBD can help you reach your fitness goals.
Meta: CBD is popular for a wide range of ailments and symptoms. A lot of CBD products are marketed to help with weight loss. Is there any truth to these claims? Read our blog to find out!
FAQs
Can CBD be used for weight loss?
Studies show that CBD can lead to decreased appetite, increased metabolism, and fat browning. Because of these effects and CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve mental health, it is highly likely that CBD can help manage a healthy weight.
What can CBD be used for?
CBD is often used for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. People use CBD to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, improve chronic pain, and help manage weight and overall wellness.