For years, the stereotypical image of cannabis consumers has often involved a guy vegging out on the couch with a bag of crunchy snacks.
Known for challenging "snack foods," past assumptions about the effects of cannabis use are hardly reminiscent of a healthy image. But what about using CBD oil for obesity?
Numerous case studies and research have found an exciting surprise: cannabis use may actually be associated with lower body weight and decreased BMI compared to lack of use.
So, should you get rid of your diet and move on to CBD? Read on to find out what we know about CBD for Obesity.
Many proponents of CBD claim that the compound can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite.
Most people associate cannabis with appetite stimulation, as those who smoke weed tend to be hungrier than usual. While it is true that THC can cause hunger, CBD cannot.
THC activates the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the body, triggering various effects, including increased appetite. However, according to a study conducted in 2018, CB1 receptor antagonists can help reduce appetite and control obesity by blocking or "switching off" the receptor.
Although CBD does not directly deactivate CB1 receptors, it can act on other blocking molecules. Disabling these receptors can help curb your appetite and avoid overeating in some people.
An older animal study published in 2012 found that administering CBD to rats reduced their appetite. Although many anecdotal tests support the concept of CBD and appetite suppression, human testing on this topic has not yet been conducted.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex disease that involves excess body fat. It is not just an aesthetic concern but a medical problem that increases the risk of other conditions. Some of the health problems associated are heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
There are many reasons why some people struggle with obesity. In general, obesity is the result of a combination of hereditary factors, combined with the environment, personal nutrition, and exercise options.
The good news is that even moderate weight loss can improve or prevent obesity-related health problems. Changes in the diet increased physical activity, and behavioral changes can all help you lose weight. Prescription drugs and weight loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity.
What Causes Obesity?
Although there are many variables on what may affect weight, including genetic, behavioral, metabolic, and hormonal factors, obesity occurs when you consume more calories than you burn during exercise and daily activities. Your body stores excess calories as fat.
The diet of most Americans is excessive calories, often fast foods, and high-calorie drinks. Obese people can eat more calories before they feel hungry, starve before, or eat more because of stress or anxiety.
Current Treatment Options
If you are concerned about weight-related health issues, talk to your doctor about obesity control. You and your doctor can assess your health risks and analyze your options for losing weight.
Medical Treatment
However, keep in mind that weight-loss medications should be used with changes in diet, exercise, and behavior, not in their place. The main goals of weight loss medicines and anti-obesity drugs are to help you follow a low-calorie diet by controlling your appetite. When your appetite is suppressed, you consume fewer calories, and your weight may drop as a result.
Your doctor may recommend weight loss medication if other diet and exercise programs do not work and meet one of the following criteria:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is equal to or greater than 30.
- Your BMI is over 27, and you also have medical complications for obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Before choosing a remedy for you, your doctor will review your medical history and any side effects. Some weight-loss medicines may not be used by pregnant women or people who take a particular medication or have chronic health problems.
Obesity drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
- Lorcaserin (Belviq)
- Phentermine and Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Bupropion and Naltrexone (opposite)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
Alternative Treatment
The vagal nerve block is another treatment for obesity. It consists of implanting a device under the skin of the abdomen that sends intermittent electrical impulses to the abdominal vagus nerve, which informs the brain when the stomach feels empty or full.
This new technology was approved by the FDA in 2014 for use in adults who struggle to lose weight. It targets those who have a 35 to 45 BMI and at least one obesity-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
CBD Treatment
CBD dissolves fat in the body by breaking it down and helping it to escape as waste.
The 2018 survey helps explain this phenomenon. The process of converting white fat cells to brown fat cells actually changes the way these cells function in the body.
Brown fat cells can be a more active form of fat. They burn energy in the form of heat, which means they actually burn calories.
Since losing calories is crucial to losing weight, CBD can help you burn fat by turning white fat into brown fat in the body.
How CBD Can Treat Obesity Symptoms
Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is equal to or greater than 30. To determine your body mass index, divide your weight by pounds in square inches, and multiply by 703. Or divide your weight by pounds by square meters
For most people, BMI gives a reasonable estimate of body fat, but BMI does not directly measure body fat. So for some people, such as muscle athletes, their BMI may appear in the obesity category, even if they do not have excess body fat.
As other studies conducted in 2018 show, there is a close tie between obesity and several different metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Hyperactivation of CB receptors in the body may be partially responsible. Hyperactivation of CB1 receptors in adipose tissue throughout the body can contribute to obesity and metabolic risk.
CBD helps block CB1 receptors, which means it can reduce the risk of obesity.
A review of cannabis and cannabinoid research also highlights some earlier work on CBD and metabolic factors, mainly in animal models.
For example, treatment with CBD reduced total cholesterol by 25% in obese rats. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD also reduced blood sugar levels and increased markers of liver health.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The first results of CBD testing and weight loss are promising and may lead to further studies on the association between the two.
CBD can be helpful for your weight loss, burning of calories or suppress appetite, but it's important not to overdo it.
Proper nutrition and lots of exercises are the best strategies for weight loss.
CBD should not be replaced by any other medication taken for a chronic illness. You should consult your doctor before using CBD for any reason, as this may interact with your existing medicines.