CBD has been gaining traction for quite some time, and it’s becoming more and more popular amongst true enthusiasts who appreciate the power of nature and herbs. While the exposure to a broad demographic is certainly a positive thing, it does come with its fair share of misconceptions and myths perpetuated by people who simply don’t know enough about CBD oils.
For instance, there is a notion that CBD is somehow an almighty cure that will solve all of your health issues. This is a completely false claim, and we strongly recommend you to read about CBD and its benefits as well as downsides before you decide to try it. One of the most important things you should keep in mind is that CBD is not intended to cure a particular condition but rather alleviate some of the symptoms.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, CBD might be a good solution to try. If you’re wondering can CBD help with weight loss, the short answer is – Yes, it can. However, CBD is a cog that can help run a massive mechanism (your body) rather than being a magical all-around solution.
What is CBD?
Before we dive deeper into the subject, it’s a good idea to cover some basics, starting with CBD’s definition.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is the second most prevalent active ingredient of marijuana. It is derived from the hemp plant, which is a close cousin of the marijuana plant. Many CBD studies were conducted in the past couple of years, and some of them suggest that cannabidiol shows positive results when it comes to mitigating symptoms of serious conditions. On top of that, it can help with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.
One of the most important things you should keep in mind is that CBD does not have psychoactive properties (unlike its cousin – THC). Therefore, it does not induce a “high.” Even though ample studies show how beneficial CBD is, it’s still undergoing research and is not FDA-approved.
The Correlation Between CBD and Weight Loss
Some of the studies that were conducted in the past couple of years suggest that CBD, other than being great for the improvement of your overall health, could also affect weight loss. For instance, one study showed that CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, both of which play an important role in controlling your metabolism and food intake. In one rat study, CBD caused a significant reduction in food intake, thereby affecting the bodyweight of the subjects.
- What is Metabolic Syndrome?
If you read about CBD, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the term Metabolic Syndrome. In simple terms, metabolic syndrome is an aggregate of health issues that coincide. For example, people with high blood pressure and high blood sugar combined have higher chances of experiencing a stroke or getting diabetes. Important factors that play a significant role and contribute to metabolic syndrome are lifestyle and diet.
CBD communicates with ECS, which stands for endocannabinoid system. It is directly linked to metabolic enzymes responsible for energy storage and transport of nutrients throughout your body. In conclusion, CBD does have the capacity to lower food intake and affect weight gain.
Alarmingly, metabolic syndrome is becoming more and more common and is diagnosed in almost one-third of American adults. An aggressive lifestyle and a poor diet are the first two things you should improve upon if you’re not keen on joining this group.
- What is the Best CBD Dosage for Weight Loss?
This is a hard question to answer since it all comes down to your body type, metabolism, gender, age, and a plethora of other factors. However, for the sake of simplicity, the table below shows our recommended levels. Bear in mind; these values are just rough averages, and you should consult your physician for more precise calculations.
- Small Dose – 1.5mg per lb.
- Medium Dose – 3.5mg per lb.
- High Dose – 5.5mg per lb.
Basically, all you have to do is multiply your body weight by .15, .35, or .55, and you’ll get the recommended amount of milligrams per day. As an example, a small starting dose for a person who weighs 100lbs is 15mg of CBD per day.
- How can CBD Help with Metabolic Syndrome?
Now, while CBD cannot directly cure or treat metabolic syndrome, it can help in several ways.
- It reduces plaque buildup on arterial walls
- It performs well in fighting against ischemic diseases
- It has shown the ability to reduce insulin levels on an empty stomach
- It improves blood flow by acting as a vasodilator
- Can be used as a dietary supplement
If you combine regular CBD intake with a healthy lifestyle and controlled diet, it can significantly reduce some of the risks associated with metabolic syndrome.
Should I Use CBD for Weight Loss?
There are numerous factors to account for before deciding whether CBD is the right choice for you. However, the general consensus is that the vast majority of people should give it a try since it doesn’t have any nasty side-effects. With that being said, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Don’t Expect Miracles
One of the main reasons people get disappointed in CBD treatments is that they expect a miraculous performance. As we mentioned, there are many benefits to CBD metabolism, but it’s far from being an all-in-one solution. Cannabidiol is here to help you fight against serious conditions gradually; it’s not here to cure.
- The Results Aren’t Immediate
This is yet another false expectation that causes people to doubt the advantages of CBD. If you’re just starting, you’re in for a long journey. However, the important thing is to keep pushing and never give up. Rather than giving up, try increasing your dosage or consult your physician and talk about ways to improve the results.
- Do NOT Use CBD as a Substitute for Therapy
If you’re undergoing therapy or are taking prescription drugs, DO NOT substitute them with CBD. Keep taking your medications, and if you’re interested in trying cannabidiol, talk to your doctor and see what they have to say about your idea. Some medications might not have the best effect when mixed with cannabidiol, which is why it’s important to cover everything with your physician before you dive into CBD waters.
- Don’t Buy Your Stuff from Unknown Sources
This is a good rule of thumb for any product, but it’s especially important for CBD. Always buy your cannabidiol from reliable, reputable, and trustworthy sources. Good quality is the main factor for CBD oil’s effectiveness, so make sure you buy it from the right people.
Have you tried CBD for weight loss? How was your experience? Leave us a comment and let us know! If you want to read more about similar subjects, don’t hesitate to check out some of our other articles!