Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant (or cannabis), like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Contrary to what one might think, it doesn’t have the same effects as THC, the molecule behind cannabis use. Neither intoxicating nor recreational, CBD is not even classified as a narcotic.
It has been available over the counter since late 2020, whether online or in specialized stores. It is available in various forms: oils, capsules, infusions, and even in bulk.
While CBD is often recommended for its positive effects on stress and sleep, even for some types of pain, some people use it to help lose weight.
But what about its actual effectiveness for weight loss?
📚 Read also | The best CBD oils reviewed
How does the endocannabinoid system work?
To understand the link between weight management and CBD, let’s first review one concept: the endocannabinoid system (or ECS) present in our body.
Made up of a set of receptors and molecules that bind to those same receptors, it acts as a regulatory center that influences stress, sleep, pain, the immune system, and even appetite.
In this endocannabinoid system, there are two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2.
It is by acting on these receptors that cannabidiol exerts its effects. But unlike THC, it does not bind directly to them because it has little affinity for CB1 and CB2. Its role is more to influence their activity and modulate their responses to the stimuli of the molecules that bind to them.
What do studies say about weight loss?
There are several scientific studies that appear to show that CBD may be useful for better managing weight. This 2022 study showed that CBD appears to reduce food intake, especially in people with a high BMI.
However, the anorexigenic mechanisms of CBD remain unclear. It has been proven that it acts as an antagonist of CB1 receptors. Overall, this means it can prevent their excessive activation, and therefore the feeling of hunger that this causes.
Beyond this explanation, its anti-obesity effect could be achieved via CB2 receptors or through activation of β-adrenergic receptors. Among the hypotheses noted by this review are:
- increase in the breakdown of fats (lipolysis)
- heat production (thermogenesis)
- reduction of the formation of new fats (lipogenesis)
- greater conversion of white fat into brown fat (browning of adipocytes)
- and increased insulin secretion.
Nevertheless, no sufficient research can confirm any of these mechanisms.
Other studies had already hinted at a loss of appetite as a side effect of CBD, without being the main subject of research. It could therefore be interesting to conduct further research on the subject.
Does CBD cause weight gain?
Cannabis use is known for the munchies it triggers after a few hours. And where there are munchies, there is weight gain.
It is therefore perfectly reasonable to wonder whether CBD can cause weight gain by increasing the feeling of hunger. As it turns out, no!
This hunger is mainly linked to the presence of THC, which activates the CB1 receptors present in the hypothalamus and responsible for regulating hunger and food intake. So no relation to CBD.
Is there an indirect impact of CBD on weight management?
Beyond direct effects on weight loss, CBD is also recognized for its benefits on stress and transient anxiety, as shown by this study.
However, in cases of chronic stress, weight gain can be observed, particularly during emotional eating.
Taking CBD as a relaxant could potentially help you if anxiety tends to make you snack during the day. But be careful! This effect depends on each person and on how you handle stressful periods.
CBD has shown some benefits on weight, but research is still in its early stages.
Before turning to this natural alternative, it’s best to focus on sleep, physical activity, and adopting a balanced diet adapted to your specific issues, or even seek psychological support.
📚 Also read | A dietitian analyzed the best-selling weight-loss programs on the market
Sources and scientific studies
- Pinto JS, Martel F., 2022, Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review. Clin Drug Investig.
- Spanagel R, Bilbao A. 2021, Approved cannabinoids for medical purposes – Comparative systematic review and meta-analysis for sleep and appetite.
- Russo EB, Burnett A, Hall B, Parker KK, 2005, Agonistic properties of cannabidiol at 5-HT1a receptors.
