Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many compounds called cannabinoids in hemp plants. This naturally-occurring component may promote several health benefits like weight loss. But, several claims come from statements without scientific proof. With that in mind, you might ask, “Does CBD oil work for weight loss?”
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
First, it’s essential to learn how CBD works in the body before looking at the potential benefits of the compound for weight loss.
The body has a complex cell-signaling network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This structure helps regulate various bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and pain management. Also, this system receives responses through two receptors called CB1 and CB2.
CBD works by influencing the body to activate natural cannabinoids. It does this task by indirectly influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Thus the compound isn’t as invasive as certain medications. This organic substance may play a role in activating appetite and metabolic functions, thereby influencing weight loss.
People who wish to lose weight can use CBD in combination with food in their daily diets in order to help boost weight loss efforts.
The Potential Benefits of CBD for Weight Loss
CBD may help individuals in their health and fitness routines to gain various benefits. Here are three potential advantages of using CBD that may positively affect weight loss.
- Suppress Appetites
One of the crucial factors of maintaining a healthy weight is by not going over the recommended daily calorie intake. But, it might be easy for certain people to fall into temptation by looking at the different delicious food nearby.
Taking CBD oil might help suppress appetites. Combining this substance with food may help the body feel fuller than the norm. So, you might not find the need to grab a piece of cake after eating a full meal.
- Burns Calories
CBD oil may also play a positive role in increasing the body’s metabolic functions. Metabolism is a factor affecting weight. Slow metabolism may mean the body might store more pounds than people with fast metabolic rates.
A 2016 study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry showed results wherein CBD plays a primary role in a process called fat browning. Brown fat is a deposit that can help produce natural body heat. Also, if the body has more brown fat deposits, the person has more energy to spare.
In the study mentioned above, researchers found that the effects of CBD on immature fat cells include the following:
- The substance stimulates proteins and fat genes to encourage fat breakdown and oxidation.
- CBD helps the body burn more calories by increasing the activity and number of mitochondria in cells.
- It reduces lipogenesis – a process that reduces protein expression involved in the development of fat cells.
All these effects translate to CBD in helping the body to improve its metabolism. Include CBD in your health and fitness regimens, and the number of calories burned per day may increase.
- Prevents Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance might be a symptom found in obese and diabetic patients. The standard metabolic process starts when a person consumes food. Next, the body’s blood glucose levels increase, which will signal the pancreas to release insulin. This substance helps carry glucose to the cells that will turn into energy.
But, the body’s metabolic functions might become irregular when the pancreas receives excess glucose. The result is the cells might become unable to accept the extra amount of glucose, which may make the body resistant to insulin signal patterns.
CBD oil may lend a hand in enhancing the body’s cells to receive more glucose. Hence, cells can regulate more glucose, which can later turn to energy while avoiding insulin resistance.
Since CBD is a natural compound, it might provide better results than specific over-the-counter medicines. Adverse effects might be minimal when consuming CBD oil to help combat insulin resistance.
However, it’s still advisable to consult your doctor for potential side effects of using CBD to help regulate blood glucose. For example, this hemp component might negatively affect existing medications, which can result in health complications.
Conclusion
These three benefits of CBD oil for weight loss might be taking this topic at the surface level. Other advantages might bring additional advantages to users. For instance, CBD might help prevent fat gain and liver damage. Furthermore, this organic substance may also deliver other health boons to users like reducing inflammation and chronic muscle pain. Remember; start using this natural hemp component at small doses to reduce risks of health concerns.