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CBD Oil for Weight Loss or Gain

The question of whether users attain results from CBD oil for weight loss or gain is a frequent topic in our Facebook group. Each time the question is asked, comments from users indicate that some have lost weight and others have gained weight since starting to use CBD oil.

The takeaway is that the effect of CBD oil on metabolism is not the same for everyone.

It’s widely accepted that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, stimulates appetite and can result in weight gain. Conversely, the general consensus is that CBD has the opposite effect and suppresses appetite. Many of the most popular CBD oil products have other cannabinoids and terpenes in them as well and may add to the CBD oil for weight loss or gain results.

The purpose of this article is to help educate you about some of the many factors that may determine whether CBD oil may promote weight loss, weight gain or have no effect on metabolism. Understanding these factors can help you choose the CBD oil products that may give you the best chance for achieving your goal.

The Endocannabinoid System

Our bodies have this nifty thing called the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates a wide variety of processes within our bodies and generally helps promote homeostasis within the body. Basically, it helps keep things on track.

Unfortunately, things sometimes get a little off track due to imbalances or defects within the body. Phytocannabinoids such as CBD can help restore the balance to processes including metabolism.

CBD Oil Appetite Stimulation or Suppression?

Based on anecdotal evidence from users, some report CBD oil appetite stimulation, while others report CBD oil appetite suppression. This can be at least partially attributed to differences in body chemistry, lifestyle, health condition, and dosage levels.

But the specific type of CBD oil product likely plays a role as well. Product type includes whether a product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate. The cannabinoid and terpene profile of a particular product can also affect whether it may stimulate or suppress appetite.

CBD and THC are just two of the cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil products. Other cannabinoids are often in the mix as well. CBN, for example, was shown in a 2012 study by the School of Pharmacy at the University of Reading in the UK to increase appetite and weight gain in rats.

Similarly, specific terpenes can also have opposite effects. Certain terpenes, such as humulene, act as appetite suppressants. Other terpenes, such as myrcene, are great for stimulating the appetite.

Hormone Regulation

Hormones often dictate our weight. And hormones are one of the processes that the endocannabinoid systems regulate. For instance, women experiencing menopause may have decreased levels of estradiol. Estradiol helps regulate metabolism and body weight. Decreased levels of this hormone can lead to an increase in body weight.

Cannabinoids such as CBD can interact with the hormonal system and help reduce symptoms, including weight gain.

Neurotransmitters

The interaction of CBD with CB1 receptors impacts dopamine and serotonin levels. These chemicals have interesting relationships with reward and addiction behaviors. Imbalances in these chemicals can lead to other issues, such as food addiction. Or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, imbalances can cause complete disinterest in food.

CBD Oil for Weight Loss or Gain – The Bottom Line

We’ve laid out some of the ways that CBD oil products have the potential to help with weight gain or weight loss. The general idea is the CBD is great for promoting homeostasis within the body, and as such, it’s beneficial for a lot of things. Some users, such as those unable to exercise due to chronic pain, may find weight loss happening all on its own just due to the fact that they’re able to be more active with reduced pain.

When trying to find a product for either weight gain or weight loss, read the third party lab reports and look for products with specific cannabinoids and terpenes that may achieve your desired result.

The effect of CBD oil products on metabolism is definitely an area that will benefit from more research in the future as CBD oil products continue to gain mainstream acceptance

2 Responses

  1. Opposite problem here. I’ve tried multiple kinds of lab certified cbd and they seem to increase my appetite and make me gain weight.

  2. Thanks for the information. I have been wondering about this subject for awhile. I have been losing weight but at a slow rate so cbd has another great reason for me to use it.

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