Can CBD for Weight Loss Really Work?

Even with the proper exercise routine and healthy meal plan, it’s possible to exist within a weight loss plateau in which it’s difficult to shed the pounds. There are numerous reasons why this may happen, ranging from holes in your diet to a lack of hydration.

Fortunately, CBD may be able to help.

Several studies have identified that CBD may help regulate the metabolism and reduce body fat. How does it do this? Let’s dive in.

CBD and Your Metabolism

CBD, or cannabidiol, is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That said, very little is known about the cannabinoid’s connection to weight loss. There is some emerging research, however.

Before diving into the studies, it’s critical to understand CBD’s influence on the endocannabinoid system. This system stretches across the body, helping to maintain homeostasis by regulating processes such as appetite, sleep, immune function, cognition, mood and sensory perception.

The body produces natural cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, that bind to two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors populate the central nervous system (the brain and spine), CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues, such as the spleen and tonsils.

When CBD enters the body, it can mimic the function of endocannabinoids and interact with the receptors in similar ways.

That said, there is growing evidence suggesting that CBD may also influence the metabolism. One study identified that giving children CBD may help to modulate their metabolisms throughout their lifetimes. Likely, this is connected to the endocannabinoid system’s role in eating behaviors, feelings of pleasure and lipoprotein metabolism — the transportation of fats through the bloodstream.

Cannabinoids like CBD may also play a role in glucose metabolism. This process involves a complex series of biochemical reactions that regulate the levels of glucose in the bloodstream, ensuring a steady and balanced energy supply for various physiological functions.

Endocannabinoid receptors located in the fat tissue are believed to help regulate insulin secretion within the pancreas, potentially impacting energy storage, release and metabolism and reducing insulin resistance.

In a 2022 study, scientists explored CBD's impact on glucose uptake in fat tissue. They exposed isolated tissue to glucose and different CBD concentrations for 2 hours. Results showed increased glucose uptake in fat tissues exposed to CBD and glucose, depending on dosages, suggesting CBD's potential in maintaining glucose-lipid homeostasis.

Another study on rats found that specimens who were on a diet and also administered CBD had decreased levels of sugar in the bloodstream after fasting and lower glucose levels overall, potentially boosting the metabolism.

CBD and Fat Reduction

When answering the question, ‘What does CBD oil do for the body’, recognizing its role in fat metabolism is crucial for those considering it for weight loss. CBD's interaction with the endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 receptors found in adipose tissues, is thought to influence fat metabolism. By modulating these receptors, CBD for weight loss may impact lipid storage and energy balance, potentially leading to reduced fat accumulation.

Within the body, there are two types of fat: white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. White adipose tissue is most abundant within the body, and it plays a critical role in storing excess energy as fat. It also helps to insulate the body, cushion organs and regulate body temperature.

Conversely, brown adipose tissue is primarily responsible for thermogenesis, or the generation of heat to burn more calories. This type of fat tissue is rich in iron, giving it a brown color. Typically, healthy individuals will have more brown fat cells than white fat cells. Further, research suggests that activating brown adipose tissue may have metabolic benefits.

One study, conducted in test tubes, found that the introduction of CBD may brown white adipose tissue and enhance the production of brown fat overall to help support weight management and improve metabolic health.

There are also associations between CBD and food intake, although it’s not quite what you’d expect. Cannabinoids like CBD have been found to increase the amount of calories you eat throughout the day; however, CBD may impact the way in which your body processes these foods.

To understand this better, it’s important to note that the majority of the American diet is high in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which may dysregulate the endocannabinoid system. Consuming CBD may help to reduce the sensitivity of endocannabinoid receptors, reducing the impact of fatty acids, thus decreasing the body’s ability to process and store fat.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are also found in both the subcutaneous (under the skin) and visceral (around the organs) adipose tissue. Studies suggest that introducing CBD may help to reduce overall body weight due to its influence on these receptors.

Another potential benefit of CBD is that it’s also believed to have potential anti-inflammatory effects which could further contribute to its role in fat reduction since inflammation is associated with increased body weight.

CBD and Blood Pressure

Excessive weight gain can increase your risk of unhealthy blood pressure levels, which may impact heart function and cause:

Tension in the head
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds

Unhealthy blood pressure levels can lead to elevated pressure within the blood vessels, causing them to experience increased stress and stiffened artery walls, which can impede blood flow.

In one study, 10 mg/kg of CBD was administered to rat test subjects with unhealthy blood pressures. This dosage was found to have a potentially protective effect on the blood vessels, mitigating the thickening of the blood vessel walls and widening the arteries to improve blood flow.

For those looking to lose weight, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels can help to:

Improve the heart’s ability to pump blood, potentially aiding exercise endurance
Provide blood and oxygen to the muscles to support physical activity
Support metabolic function by way of managing blood sugar
Maintain heart health to allow for weight-loss activities
Aid sleep quality to help modulate appetite and metabolism

Why Can’t You Lose the Weight?

Even with the introduction of CBD, two primary factors may still impede your weight loss progress, and understanding them is crucial for devising effective weight-loss strategies.

Dietary Choices

A well-balanced diet is a cornerstone of weight management. However, poor dietary choices, excessive calorie intake or nutritional gaps can hinder weight loss efforts.

Namely, your diet may lack enough protein, which is the cornerstone of muscle synthesis. Eating protein can also stimulate hormones that reduce your appetite and help you feel full longer. The latter is also a result of protein’s slow digestion time, meaning protein stays in your stomach longer than carbs or fats.

Additionally, ensure that your diet is fortified with whole foods, rather than processed foods that may be high in unhealthy saturated fats. These types of healthy foods can help to regulate your hunger levels and fill you up:

Fruits, such as apples, oranges, blueberries, strawberries and kiwis
Vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, carrots, beets and potatoes
Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat and oats
Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, edamame and green peas
Nuts and seeds, like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds
Lean proteins, such as turkey, chicken, eggs, fish and tofu
Dairy, such as Greek yogurt and cheese
Healthy fats, like avocado, olive oil and coconut oil

You can also consider looking into our CBD oil recipes, which can be a creative and health-conscious addition to your weight loss diet.

Lack of Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle may lead to fewer calories burned, slowing down the metabolic rate and hindering fat loss. To improve your weight loss journey, consider incorporating:

Aerobic exercises – Aerobic or cardiovascular exercises are effective for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. Activities such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, cycling and dancing all fall into this category. These exercises elevate your heart rate and enhance endurance, contributing to overall calorie expenditure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week to support your weight loss goals and boost your metabolism.
Weight training – Incorporating weight training or resistance exercises is crucial for building lean muscle mass. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, thereby increasing your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This means that, even when you're not actively exercising, having more muscle can contribute to burning calories at a higher rate. Include strength training exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises or resistance band workouts into your routine, and focus on different muscle groups on alternate days to allow for recovery and promote muscle growth.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) – HIIT is a time-efficient and effective way to burn calories and improve fitness levels. This form of exercise involves alternating between short bursts of intense activity and periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. HIIT can be done with various activities, such as sprinting, cycling or bodyweight exercises. The intensity of HIIT workouts stimulates calorie burning during the session and may elevate metabolism post-exercise, which in turn can help you lose weight.

For more helpful insights on your wellness journey, don't miss our health and wellness tips that offer practical advice and support for your overall health.

Zebra CBD For Weight Loss

There is increasing evidence to suggest that CBD may aid your weight loss goals, helping to regulate your metabolism, reduce fat and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

For a CBD online that you can trust, choose Zebra CBD.

Premium hemp extract is the foundation of each of our CBD products, ranging from CBD edibles to CBD topicals. So, whether you’re chewing on a CBD gummy, taking hemp pills, or applying a CBD lotion to areas of soreness, you can rest assured that each product is tested by a third-party laboratory to verify its potency and purity.

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