Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your well-being and health. It reduces the risk of many life-threatening diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease to name a few. Thousands of people worldwide struggle with their weight and are at risk of developing potentially fatal diseases. In fact, over two billion people throughout the world suffer from obesity, according to Science Daily.
The evidence is mounting that cannabidiol (CBD) found in cannabis plant can help with weight loss, in addition to other health benefits. Unlike THC, another cannabis derivative, which increases appetite, CBD holds the opposite effect.
How Does CBD Affect Your Body?
When the chemical compound enters your body, it att
aches to receptors in the endocannabinoid system and sets off specific reactions in your brain and body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in the regulation of a variety of bodily functions. It promotes the normal functioning of your immune system and the nervous system. Your body uses ECS to maintain homeostasis. Disturbance in this system can cause neurological diseases, metabolic problems, and inflammation. ECS can also affect your blood sugar levels and metabolism.
Cannabinoids and Appetite
THC and CBD affect our mind and body oppositely. THC activates CB1 receptors found in our brain. The chemical compound attaches to these receptors and imitates the anandamide structure.
Anandamide, also called bliss molecule, is an endocannabinoid that stimulates the appetite when produced. Thus, THC increases the desire to eat food.
Contrastingly, CBD activates CB2 receptors found in your immune system and body. These receptors help regulate pain management and appetite. Unlike THC, CBD does not attach to CB1 receptors; in fact, it inhibits these receptors and vanishes your cravings.
What’s so amazing about CBD is that it can not only suppress appetite, but it can also decrease your waist size and reduce your body mass index (BMI). Having a low BMI is vital for normal functioning and growth of your body. Numerous studies have found an association between the use of CBD oil and weight loss.
Fat Browning
According to a study reported in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, CBD helps convert the white adipose tissue (white fat) into brown adipose tissue (brown fat). The brown fatty tissue produces energy by burning calories, whereas the white adipose tissue stores energy in the form of fats. Too much stored fat in the body can make you obese and lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health complications.
CBD Suppresses Appetite
CBD has been shown to play a powerful role in suppressing appetite. Hypothalamus, a part of your brain, governs appetite and controls the secretion of hormones ghrelin and leptin. Also known as hunger hormone, ghrelin increases storage of fat, boosts food intake, and stimulates appetite. Leptin, on the other hand, inhibits hunger and creates a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
CBD interacts with the hypothalamus and regulates the amount of ghrelin and leptin. The release of the ghrelin hormone is triggered by the increased activity of CB1 receptors. As discussed earlier, cannabidiol effectively blocks these receptors, suppressing the feelings of hunger.
Research has also demonstrated that CBD raises the leptin levels, thereby curbing cravings and keeping hunger pangs at bay.
CBD Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
High levels of sugar in your body leads to insulin resistance where the cells in your muscles and liver become poorly responsive to the hormone insulin. Insulin facilitates the glucose movement from the bloodstream into the cells.
When your body doesn’t convert the glucose into energy, it stores the excess glucose as fat. Studies have found that excess blood sugar levels can cause obesity and diabetes.
CBD oil can help keep blood sugar levels in check by reducing inflammation that messes with the insulin-producing cells.
