Does CBD cause weight gain?

For weight-conscious individuals, navigating the CBD market can be confusing.

But it is natural that even people with a healthy weight are interested in maintaining it to avoid obesity. After all, being overweight or worse, obesity has been linked to numerous preventable diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, coronary artery disease and more. It is always in your best interest to keep your weight at a healthy level as much as possible.

The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in marijuana products has been known to be linked to inducing appetite and weight gain, albeit in healthy amounts when taken in moderation or under medical supervision. So much so that it’s even used to stimulate the appetite of cancer and HIV patients or those struggling with eating disorders.

But when it comes to CBD, will it help you lose weight or will it lead to weight gain?

The truth is that there is no definitive answer, although results can vary depending on many factors. Here are some food for thought, based on existing studies:

How CBD affects metabolism

A 2016 study conducted by Korean researchers focused on the effects of CBD on preadipocytes, which are immature fat cells. Their results suggest that CBD works in three ways to promote “fat browning,” otherwise white adipose tissue (scientifically known as white adipose tissue, or WAT), since tanned fat is more effective in both weight loss and the management of obesity is.

In addition, brown fat is more efficient at metabolizing fat molecules and blood sugar to help us maintain our body temperature. Having more white fat in the body can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, while brown fat leads to weight loss.

Researchers discovered that CBD stimulates genes and proteins responsible for fat loss. It can also increase mitochondrial activity, which strengthens the body’s calorie burning mechanisms. Additionally, CBD consumption has been found to reduce protein expression for those associated with the formation of new fat cells in the body.

CBD reduces risk factors for obesity

There are other indirect lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain. Some of the biggest culprits are stress, anxiety and lack of sleep.

• Stress: Constant exposure to stress leads to increased production of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Cortisol may be why you tend to seek out fatty and sugary foods during times of stress, and it’s also been linked to spikes in insulin levels. Research shows that CBD helps lower cortisol levels, especially in people who take 300 or 600 mg of CBD daily.

By addressing stress, you can stop weight loss.

In addition, CBD is also a mood enhancer. When we’re in a better mood, we can be more motivated to move. Many studies, including one from 2021, support the effectiveness of CBD in treating mood disorders and anxiety.

CBD reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is very common and is associated with obesity and weight gain. A 2020 medical review found that CBD affects many factors that lead to insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes and then weight gain.

Individuals who are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes can take CBD products to keep their metabolic resistance healthy.

How to choose CBD products for weight loss

Before proceeding, remember that CBD products are not a one-size-fits-all solution to shedding unwanted pounds. It can cause some people to gain weight while others lose weight, although many factors play a role, including your lifestyle and metabolism, among others.

The myriad of studies out there generally show the consensus that CBD is unlikely to cause weight gain on its own. But you also have to remember that marijuana products affect everyone differently; CBD can cause your friend to be hungrier than usual, while it can cause you to have a suppressed appetite.

The best way to use CBD for weight loss is to also take a holistic approach, making sure you exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet in line with your specific health needs, and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

However, when buying CBD products that help you lose weight, you should pay attention to the following things:

• Use low-calorie CBD products, so stay away from high-sugar gums, which can contribute to weight gain. Examples of low-calorie CBD products include unflavored oils, tinctures, and vapes.

• Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) or third-party testing to determine if the product you are considering purchasing contains other compounds. When CBD products contain a significant amount of THC, you can get high and experience cravings, leading to weight gain over the long term. A COA is essentially proof that the product contains exactly what the manufacturer says it does and nothing else.

• Experiment with dosages and note the effects. It is generally recommended to start with 5 to 10mg of CBD in a day. Observe how it makes you feel: Does it make you feel relaxed, more awake, more focused, or more sleepy? Adjust your dose as needed. Eventually, you’ll find the best time and dose to take it, so you can adjust it based on what you need most. For example, 5mg in the morning can give you a little boost for your workout, while 15mg at night can give you the rested sleep you need before your morning workout.

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