Does It Work? – Forbes Health

Research suggests CBD may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in many physiological processes, including the regulation of metabolism, energy balance and appetite, says Laura Lagano, registered nurse, holistic cannabis practitioner and CEO and co-founder of Holistic Cannabis Academy, an online cannabis training program for health professionals.

“Some studies suggest CBD can help reduce appetite, promote fat browning (the process of turning white fat tissue into brown fat tissue, which is associated with increased energy expenditure) and increase metabolism, ultimately contributing to weight loss,” explains Lagano. “However, more research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and their effectiveness.”

While using CBD oil or other products containing CBD may help support weight loss goals, it’s important to note that it’s not a miracle cure, says Lagano. “Individual results may vary, and CBD oil should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program for the best results,” she adds.

Limited research is available regarding how CBD may affect weight loss in humans, with the majority of current studies being conducted on animals or in vitro. However, researchers believe CBD may aid weight loss largely due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system.

A 2022 review in Clinical Drug Investigation compiled the results of 11 peer-reviewed, original randomized controlled clinical trials that examined the effects CBD on appetite and body weight. The majority of these studies found using CBD led to a reduction in appetite among participants, though researchers also note a risk of bias among researchers regarding the randomization process, selection of reported results and missing outcome data. Further clinical trials in humans are needed to fully understand the potential relationship between CBD and appetite suppression.

Meanwhile, CBD may indirectly help with weight loss by reducing chronic pain, which can have a negative effect on obesity, research suggests. CBD may also help improve sleep, which can support weight loss as well. However, while some studies show improvements to insomnia, others found mixed results.

“CBD oil is generally considered safe, but some people may experience side effects,” says Lagano, who adds that the risk of side effects may increase with higher doses.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, side effects of CBD consumption may include:

• Decreased alertness
• Mood changes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea
• Increased sleepiness
• Changes in liver function
• Male reproductive harm, such as reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm morphology, which refers to the size and shape of the sperm

Starting with a low dose of CBD and gradually increasing it as needed may help reduce some of these side effects, says Lagano.

It’s important to note that the majority of CBD products available directly to consumers aren’t monitored or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, they may contain inaccurate amounts of CBD compared to what their labels suggest, as well as contaminants like molds, heavy metals or additional cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD may also interact with certain medications, according to Lagano. If you’re taking any medications—prescription or over the counter—it’s essential to consult with a health care professional prior to using CBD oil, she explains.

“For sustainable weight loss, it’s crucial to speak with a health care professional, such as a nutritionist, dietitian or obesity medicine specialist. They can help create a personalized weight loss plan that includes a balanced diet, [an] exercise [plan] and behavior modifications,” says Lagano.

If you’re considering using CBD for weight loss, Lagano suggests first consulting with your health care provider. “[They] can help you determine if it’s a suitable option for you and provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and usage,” she adds.