The subject of numerous studies, CBD is increasingly recognized for its benefits to mood and health. Particularly used to reduce anxiety, could cannabidiol also have effects on weight? This is a legitimate question to ask, since this non-psychoactive substance is still relatively unknown. Many benefits could be linked to CBD, but is weight loss one of them? We’ll explain everything in this article. How does weight gain work?
A sedentary lifestyle
Unsurprisingly, a lack of physical activity and exercise can also be responsible for being overweight, or even obese. If the body isn’t regularly exercised, excess calories are more difficult to eliminate. However, this cause-and-effect relationship should be put into perspective, as everyone’s metabolism works differently.
Stress and weight gain
Several other triggers can lead to weight gain. Stress can notably lead to an imbalance in diet.
Indeed, studies have reportedly proven a direct link between anxiety and weight gain. Initially, stress may lead some people to seek comfort in food to compensate for serotonin deficiencies.
Secondly, cortisol levels tend to increase with anxiety, which facilitates fat storage in the body.
Does CBD really help with weight loss?
Relaxation and weight loss
Initially recognized for its relaxing properties, CBD (cannabidiol) could therefore reduce the effects of weight gain caused by stress and anxiety.
By regaining a healthy lifestyle balance (better diet, restorative sleep), the body would thus recover its full capabilities. Indirectly, CBD-based products (oil, etc.) would therefore have an effect on weight gain induced by poor stress management.By eliminating or significantly reducing this cause, this component of cannabis would, in a way, help with weight loss. Again, it’s important to note that this also depends on each individual’s metabolism and lifestyle. Results are never the same from one person to another.CBD and appetite suppression?
Some studies also suggest that regular CBD consumption has effects on our appetite.
In particular, it would induce a feeling of fullness more quickly, which would help limit food cravings and calorie intake. This appetite-suppressing effect is quite simple to explain.
In fact, we all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps maintain a healthy balance in our body.
This system is composed of several membrane receptors, including CB1 and CB2. Present in all the cells of our body, these receptors act, for example, on the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system.
On the one hand, CB1 is thought to stimulate the desire to eat, while on the other, CB2 is believed to decrease this feeling of hunger. According to some studies, THC (the psychoactive substance in hemp) has effects on CB1 and is therefore thought to be responsible for cravings.
CBD, on the other hand, is thought to act directly on CB2, which would create the feeling of satiety sought after for weight loss. Indirectly, cannabidiol could thus help with weight loss. Again, it is important to understand that the effects of CBD are still being researched and tested. This is why these results should be interpreted with caution.
However, initial findings seem quite positive. Therefore, we can hope that the link between CBD consumption and weight loss will potentially be confirmed in the coming years.
Can CBD eliminate cellulite?
This other question raised by CBD users is also under investigation. Among the current research, some studies suggest that cannabidiol may more easily convert white fat into brown fat.
The latter is burned more quickly than the former, which tends to be stored in the body’s adipose tissue.
By acting on this fat-burning process, CBD could then have indirect effects on the formation of cellulite. Again, this would require further research.
How to consume CBD to lose weight?
First of all, it’s important to know that CBD (a component of cannabis) is sold with a maximum THC content of 0.2% to comply with French legal limits. With no psychoactive effects and no risk of addiction, this type of cannabinoid is safe for your health. It is available in several forms:
CBD oils,
CBD flowers,
CBD capsules,etc. Each product has its own characteristics, so choose according to your preferences. Regardless of the desired effects, CBD should always be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, like any dietary supplement. It should never replace treatments prescribed by a doctor, as it is not a medication.
