Does using CBD oil lead to weight gain?
To start with the key question straight away: does CBD oil make you put on weight? The short answer is: in most cases no, but it can happen. A 2018 study shows this nicely. Of the 2409 people who took part and took CBD, 153 (6.35%) said they had the impression they had put on weight. That means that more than nine out of ten people said they did not put on weight after taking CBD.
What the 2022 review showed
A 2022 review, which brought together eleven studies into the effects of CBD on appetite and weight, confirms this picture. In most of those studies a link with weight loss was seen more often than with weight gain. These are correlations, not a demonstrated causal relationship.
Possible causes of putting on weight while using CBD
That one user reports putting on weight and another losing it does not mean CBD is the cause. People differ, everyone has their own CBD routine, and other things often change in the same period.
What does determine your weight
Weight ultimately comes down to what you eat and how much you move. If something in your eating pattern or your daily rhythm also changes in the same period that you start with a supplement, then that is what makes the difference. People often start with a supplement at a moment when something is changing anyway, during a new routine or a busy period for instance. It is then impossible to say afterwards what caused what.
Full spectrum or broad spectrum
Full spectrum products contain traces of THC, always below the legal limit of 0.05%. Some people want to rule that out entirely, because of work or travel for instance. In that case choose broad spectrum, because that is free of THC.
Theory: CBD slows down your metabolism
There is also a theory that says CBD slows your metabolism down, and that this is the reason you put on weight. There is no evidence for that. There has been animal research from 2017 into the influence of CBD on receptors in the brain. Outcomes from animal research cannot simply be translated to humans, so no conclusions can be drawn from that.
Tips for staying at your weight while using CBD
Would you like to start taking CBD and are you afraid of putting on weight? Or do you notice that CBD oil leads to weight gain for you? Then use these tips to stay at a healthy weight:
- Try to keep a fixed eating pattern and avoid snacks.
- Move regularly. If you notice you are moving less during this period, plan something extra once or twice a week, a long walk for instance.
- If you want to rule out THC completely, choose broad spectrum instead of full spectrum.
If your weight changes unexpectedly or it worries you, discuss it with your GP. CBD is a food supplement and not a means of managing weight. There are currently no EU-approved health claims for CBD.
Frequently asked questions about CBD oil and weight
Can CBD oil help you lose weight?
We do not say that. CBD is a food supplement, not a way to control your weight, and no health claims have been approved for CBD in the European Union. Research among CBD users shows links with both weight loss and weight gain, but those are correlations, not a proven cause and effect. In the end, your weight comes down to what you eat and how much you move.
What are the downsides of CBD oil?
Most people tolerate CBD well. Some people report a dry mouth, a change in appetite or mild digestive complaints, which is often down to the carrier oil. Little is known yet about the long term. If your weight changes unexpectedly or it worries you, talk to your GP.
What should you not combine with CBD oil?
CBD can affect how certain medicines work, such as antihistamines, antibiotics, painkillers, blood thinners, beta blockers and cancer medication. If you take medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use CBD.
Is it safe to use CBD oil every day?
We do not make promises about safety. Most people tolerate CBD well, but little is known yet about the long term. Choose an oil that is tested externally for every batch. Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dosage on the label.
