The popularity of CBD oil has exploded in recent years, with touted benefits including reduced anxiety, pain relief, and improved brain health. But could CBD also help you lose weight? Here we objectively review the current research on CBD oil and weight loss.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. It is the second most abundant after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making up around 40% of cannabis extracts.
Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects and will not make you feel “high.” However, research shows CBD does interact with receptors in the brain and body that influence things like pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more.
CBD stops the breakdown of anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” allowing it to stay active longer in your system. It also regulates inflammatory cytokines and interacts with serotonin and dopamine receptors. More research is still needed to fully understand CBD’s mechanisms.
Can CBD Boost Metabolism and Reduce Food Intake?
Some research indicates CBD may support weight loss efforts by:
- Boosting metabolism
- Reducing food intake
Studies show CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors involved in metabolism and appetite regulation. In rat studies, CBD injections reduced food consumption and increased fat browning.
However, the limited human evidence is mixed. Some studies link marijuana use high in CBD with lower BMI, while others show no effect or increased appetite from CBD. More research is still needed.
Effects on Fat Browning and Lipid Metabolism
Early studies suggest CBD may aid weight loss by converting unhealthy white fat to brown fat, which burns calories.
White fat stores and supplies energy while brown fat generates heat by burning calories. CBD seems to promote “beiging” or “browning” of white fat cells.
CBD may also alter lipid metabolism in other ways, but human studies examining CBD’s specific effects are lacking. More research needs to confirm CBD’s effects.
Appetite Changes Are Inconsistently Reported
Increased appetite and weight gain are commonly reported side effects of CBD use. However, study results are mixed.
Some research has shown increased appetite from CBD treatment, especially at high doses. Yet a large review found only 6% of CBD users reported increased hunger. The effects likely depend on many individual factors.
Should You Try CBD for Weight Loss?
At this time, there is limited evidence directly supporting CBD oil for weight loss. Research overall remains sparse and inconclusive.
While CBD appears relatively safe, its effects differ by individual. More high-quality clinical trials in humans are needed to establish CBD’s effects on weight.
It should not be relied upon over more proven weight loss techniques. Lifestyle approaches to weight management like eating healthy and exercising are still recommended as the first line of defense.
Possible Reasons for Mixed Study Results
There are several factors that may explain the inconsistencies in research on CBD and body weight:
- Individual differences in endocannabinoid system genetics and physiology
- Variations in study duration, dosing, and CBD delivery method
- Differences between isolates, broad spectrum, and full spectrum CBD extracts
- Interactions between CBD and THC or other cannabinoids
- Limited quality data from randomized controlled human trials
Clearly more rigorous, large-scale studies on CBD are warranted to elucidate its effects on weight beyond a doubt.
Takeaways on CBD Oil and Weight Loss
Early studies on using CBD oil for weight loss have produced mixed results. Some show reduced food intake and fat browning, while others see no effect or increased appetite.
Until more high-level evidence is available, relying on CBD oil alone for weight loss is not recommended. Focus instead on proven diet and lifestyle changes for long-term weight management, and consider CBD an unverified supplementary aid at best currently.
If using CBD oil, have realistic expectations and be aware results will vary. Only purchase high-quality CBD from reputable brands. Discuss using CBD for weight loss with your doctor first, especially if taking any medications.
While the research remains inconclusive, CBD oil does appear relatively safe for most people and may help support overall health. But science has yet to definitively determine whether it’s effective for losing weight. More studies are needed.
- UK Disposable Vape Ban Looms: Is Zyn the Next Nicotine Fix for Gen Z? - May 9, 2025
- Teen Zyn Use Soars as Vaping Declines Slightly: Study - May 2, 2025
- Uzbekistan Senate Approves Ban on E-cigarette Import and Sale - April 30, 2025