CBD, Appetite, and Weight Loss
CBD, Appetite, and Weight Loss —
Can CBD Affect Appetite?
Hemp (CBD) became legal (in Indiana) in March of 2018. It has since been catapulted into the spotlight as a type of “cure-all”. For many who suffer from a plethora of various aches and pains, it is believed that the use of CBD can lead to a healthier pain free life. While this may be true, it is important to remember that CBD is not a magic remedy. However, some studies have indicated that the use of CBD can provide relief from much more than pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. Recent studies have shown that CBD can have a positive effect on appetite and weight loss. First, let’s take look at how CBD works in our bodies.
CBD And Weight Loss
The CDC estimates that 73.6% of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight, and that 42.5% of Americans aged 20 or older are considered by health professionals to be obese. Obesity can lead to extreme health issues like diabetes, liver problems, heart disease, cancers. It is also one of the leading causes of preventable death in this country. Obesity may also increase the risk of several cancers including colon cancer, ovarian cancer, liver, esophagus, and breast cancer.
Many Americans have turned to fad diets hoping they can shed the weight and go on to live a longer and healthier life. The main problem here is that these fad diets are just that, and generally don’t last. Thankfully, many scientists and researchers now believe that CBD can be a viable solution to help with weight loss and weight gain.
But how can we use CBD for both? Does CBD increase or decrease appetite? Does it cause binge eating?
How does it work?
Remarkably, CBD has the ability to stimulate as well as suppress the appetite of an individual, depending on the specific reasons the individual is using CBD. This is due to how CBD and most all other cannabinoids react with an individual’s endocannabinoid system. This will be different for each individual. However, CBD does not generally lead to binge eating like THC (marijuana) can do. Instead, it can help relax the digestive system and soothe digestive pain or inflammation. This could, in theory, allow an individual to eat without dealing with any pain or inflammation preventing them from doing so. CBD may provide them with the ability to eat and keep food down.
Does CBD increase appetite in this specific situation? Perhaps. Does this mean that the individual will now be hungry when using CBD? No. CBD may help provide the mental comfort and relaxation to not obsess over food and may also suppress their appetite enough so that they fight off these urges and cravings to eat and “snack” throughout the day.
As we’ve stated, CBD is not a “cure-all” and will affect each person differently. However, it can provide mental calmness and clarity against anxiety which can lead to binge eating.
Much of the obesity problem in America can be attributed to three key underlying problems: poor eating habits, lack of regular exercise, and an unhealthy relationship with food. We probably all know someone who’s dietary and lifestyle choices fall into one of these categories, even ourselves. The use of CBD has been supported by many users as having the ability to remedy some of these problems.
CBD For Appetite/Weight Loss
Many athletes and exercise enthusiasts all over the world have been using CBD. It can help to manage soreness as well as any minor injury or inflammation that they may be experiencing as the result of regular exercise. In turn, this can help ease the worry of upcoming soreness that comes as the result of running, lifting weights, etc. By allowing the individual to exercise regularly without as much pain, this will make their goals of losing weight much more reachable.
CBD may also address the underlying issue associated with appetite management or suppression: the unhealthy relationship with food.
Many individuals report that they binge eat in times of high stress, depression, anxiety, or simply out of sheer boredom. This is generally the result of some underlying issue associated with using food to escape an emotion or situation. CBD has shown in many studies to assist with anxiety and racing thoughts. This can allow users to better manage or make sense of stress. If we can effectively use CBD to manage the underlying issues associated with binge eating, then we may be able to minimize the act itself and allow individuals to gain some control over their own eating habits.
The relationship between CBD and appetite requires further study before we can claim CBD as an effective aide in weight loss. However, the current arguments are compelling and hopeful! Click here for more information on CBD products.
