There are many potential benefits to CBD, from fighting acne to reducing anxiety. Researchers are also studying the possibility that CBD can help people lose weight and reduce the risk of weight problems, such as diabetes and metabolic disorders.
In this article, we'll discuss CBD's efficacy for metabolic syndrome and weight loss with scientific research.
Metabolic syndrome is a common condition that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Although the term "metabolic syndrome" is relatively new, it only entered the medical community in the 1990s. The condition is widespread, some would say as prolific as the common cold virus. In fact, 23% of adults have metabolic syndrome.
Many members of the medical community question the term "condition" or "illness" because it is actually a group of risk factors. However, if you have these health problems, it can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and other more severe conditions.
Most people associate cannabis with an increased appetite because those who smoke marijuana are usually hungrier than usual. While it is true that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of cannabis, can trigger hunger, CBD does not share that characteristic.
THC activates CB1 receptors in the body, causing many effects, including stimulation of appetite. However, like the authors of the 2018 study, CB1 receptor antagonists can help reduce appetite and control obesity. Indeed, CB1 receptor agonists block or "deactivate" the receptor.
CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors, but it can influence other molecules to block them. Turning off these receptors can help reduce appetite and avoid overeating in some people.
A 2012 study on older animals found that CBD exposure reduced appetite in rats. There is ample anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD is beneficial for appetite suppression, but no direct study has shown that CBD reduces appetite in humans.
As other studies conducted in 2018 show, there are close ties among obesity and several other metabolic disorders, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, 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.
NOTE: 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.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include an increase in blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.
Just having one of these conditions does not mean you have metabolic syndrome. But that means you have an increased risk of serious illness. If you develop more of these conditions, the risk of complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, raises even more.
Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common in up to one-third of American adults. If you have metabolic syndrome, aggressive lifestyle changes might delay or even prevent the development of severe health problems.
What Causes Weight gain Associated with Metabolic Syndrome?
In people with insulin resistance, cells do not usually respond to insulin, and glucose cannot penetrate cells so easily. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise even as your body produces more insulin to try and lower your blood sugar.
Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity, being overweight, and general inactivity.
It is also linked to a condition known as insulin resistance. Your digestive system breaks typically down the food you consume into sugar. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps sugar get into cells for use as fuel.
Treatment Options for Metabolic Syndrome and Weight Loss
There are many potential treatments for metabolic syndrome. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen for your specific case.
Ask your doctor if you need to be tested for other related indicators of metabolic syndrome, so you'll know what type of treatment you should take.
Medical Treatment
If aggressive lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are not enough, your doctor may suggest medications to help. Controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and medications may positively affect symptoms.
Alternative Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components, you can make healthy changes to your lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes:
- Regular physical activity
Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, every day. But you don't have to do this activity all at once. Look for ways to increase your likelihood of success, such as climbing stairs. - Weight loss
Losing 7 to 10% of your body weight can reduce insulin resistance, blood pressure, and the risk of diabetes. It is also essential to maintain weight loss. If you have difficulty losing weight and are not recovering, talk to your doctor about options that might help, such as taking medication or surgery to lose weight. - Healthy food
Healthy diets, such as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and Mediterranean diets, focus on nutrition:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Whole fiber-rich cereal
- Lean protein
And healthy eating plans recommend limiting:
- Sweet drinks
- Alcohol
- Salt
- Sugars
- Fats especially saturated fats
CBD Treatment
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps CBD interact with our body. In addition to receptors and signaling chemicals, ECS is composed of metabolic enzymes. Studies show how the endocannabinoid system is directly linked to several metabolic functions, such as nutrient transport and energy storage. In fact, ECS has even been said to be involved in the management of insulin sensitivity.
It is no revelation that cannabis, especially strains high in THC, affects metabolism. It increases our appetite, making us consume more calories than usual, but our hunger is not the only thing marijuana can trigger. According to a 2008 study, ECS can stimulate other areas of the body involved in metabolism, including skeletal muscle, the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine pancreas.
Of course, ECS does the same with two endogenous cannabinoids, anandamide, and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). These two compounds interact with two types of receptors, CB1, and CB2, which are found in different parts of the human body, including the brain and digestive tract.
How CBD Can Treat Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms
Metabolic syndrome is a disease: it is a group of metabolic disorders present in patients. Risk factors that can lead to other, more serious problems are:
- Unhealthy blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Belly fat
- Abnormal triglyceride levels
Although the use of cannabis as the sole treatment for metabolic syndrome is not recommended, research shows that it may help reduce some of the risks associated with the disease. This means that, in combination with a healthy lifestyle and any prescription drug, it can:
- It has an immunomodulatory effect: it reduces plaque buildup on arterial walls caused by high blood sugar.
- Fighting ischemic diseases: This lesion or disease in the major blood vessels with the heart is one of the most severe complications associated with the metabolic syndrome.
- Helps Metabolic Process: Cannabinoids contained in marijuana have been shown to reduce insulin levels on an empty stomach
- Acts as a vasodilator: cannabis improves blood flow. It also helps to lower blood pressure over time.
- Used as a dietary alternative: Cannabis oil can be substituted in the kitchen. These products have a beneficial effect on the health of the heart and arteries.
What's the CBD Dosage for Metabolic Syndrome?
Based on widespread anecdotal evidence only, the standard CBD dosage recommendation may depend on your body weight. Start with 1 to 6 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.
We've built a calculator for you so that you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight below:
The above dosage recommendation is general and merely a suggestion. Your case may differ in that you may need a lot more, while others may need a lot less. Please consult with your physician before supplementing your treatment with CBD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have metabolic syndrome or are diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. Cannabis medications can be helpful for your condition.