Recent research indicates that CBD might help people lose weight because of how it impacts the body and brain. In particular, scientists are looking at how CBD interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.

Using CBD for weight loss is another potential health benefit for CBD, the non-psychoactive chemical ingredient in the cannabis plant. CBD is legal for sale across the United States. Many people take CBD to help them deal with chronic pain. Others take it to reduce their feelings of anxiety and help them sleep better at night.

Researchers believe all those uses of CBD may play a big part in why it could prove successful for weight loss.

Activating the Cannabinoid Receptors

The body’s endocannabinoid system responds to chemicals in the body through cannabinoid receptors. Two of these receptors interact with THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) and CBD: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found mainly in the immune system. In obese people, CB1 receptors tend to spread, especially within fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers think a link may exist between activation of the CB1 receptors and obesity, according to Medical News Today.

They also report that CBD works with other cannabinoids to potentially activate receptors that may play a role in weight loss and other metabolic functions.

The Reasons CBD May Help With Weight Loss

In addition to learning how CBD interacts with receptors, scientists also have connected CBD’s ability to help with a variety of conditions that impact weight loss or gain.

For example, CBD is typically found to help improve sleep patterns, reduce anxiety, lower stress and better manage chronic pain. All these conditions can contribute to weight gain, according to Healthline.

For example, research from 2015 made a connection between obesity and chronic pain, finding the two frequently co-exist and have a negative impact on each other.  Another study led by researchers in Italy found that CBD led to the browning of fat cells that, in turn, generates heat by burning calories.

CBD also improves the mood of some who use it. Dr. Felecia Dawson, a physician and cannabis advocate, told SFGATE that CBD can “lift your mood and give you more motivation to do your workout.” She also added that it can “decrease pain and inflammation associated with exercising.”

But the fact CBD promotes better sleep might be the most important factor. Medical researchers increasingly believe that a good night’s sleep is more helpful to good health than previously believed. It also can impact weight loss. Those who do not sleep well often experience increased appetite and slower metabolism, as well as spending less time exercising.

While researchers need to conduct more studies on the subject, using CBD for weight loss shows potential. It’s another reason why CBD products and services continue to gain in popularity.