Cannabidiol helps our own body’s endocannabinoid system to better regulate the hunger/reward mechanism in our brain. When this mechanism becomes out of sync it can lead to over-eating.
CBD can also be utilized to maintain insulin levels and sensitivity. Those with high insulin sensitivity begin to store extra glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle, rather than being stored as fat. On the other hand, poor insulin sensitivity results in difficulties transporting glucose into the muscles, storing it as fat instead. CBD oil prevents such effects and improves the body’s metabolism related to sugar to aid in weight loss.
A recent study of rats has found that CBD reduces weight gain, while another demonstrated that although CBD didn’t decrease the desire for sugary foods, it did decrease weight gain while eating a high-fat diet. Scientists are also now suggesting that these results are likely to be similar in humans, and early studies in the area are showing good results. Scientists have now concluded that CBD can be effective in a number of ways relating to weight loss, such as:
- Stimulating fat genes and proteins that encourage the breakdown and oxidation of fat.
- Boosting the amount and the activity level of mitochondria in the body’s cells, which in turn burns more calories.
- Decreasing the expression of proteins in lipogenesis (the generation of fat cells)
- Assists in the ‘Fat Browning Process’ by converting the ‘White Tissue’ into the ‘Brown Tissue’. The white fatty tissues aid in storing energy, while the brown fatty tissues assist in burning body energy.
CB1 and CB2 Cannabinoid receptors are responsible for separate roles in regards to diet and nutrition. In animal studies, the CB2 receptor activation typically causes the opposite effects of CB1. While CB1 receptors stimulate appetite, CB2 receptors inhibit it. Preclinical research suggests that CB2 receptor activity can prevent or inhibit diabetes-associated peripheral neuropathy and pro-inflammatory obesity. CB2 signaling is also protective against brain damage, strokes, concussions and neurodegenerative diseases.