Key Takeaways:
- CBD and THC are extracted from the same plant, but they have different effects on the body
- THC interacts with CB1 receptors that may cause an increase in appetite and result in “the munchies” that might lead to weight gain
- CBD works differently, and research hasn’t shown that it consistently increases appetite or causes weight gain
- The evidence doesn’t exist to prove or disprove whether CBD makes you lose weight, either
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp plant. It’s thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is involved in homeostasis, or balance, in the body, helping to regulate factors such as mood, temperature, immunity and sleep patterns. It’s also involved in regulating appetite, which has led researchers to investigate whether CBD affects body weight.
So, does CBD make you lose weight? Could it make you gain weight? To date, the evidence is inconclusive, and studies continue. CBD products cannot make explicit health claims, but the science behind CBD and weight is interesting. This article takes a deeper look.
Does CBD make you lose weight?
There’s currently no conclusive evidence that CBD supports weight loss. Research continues, but it’s at least thought that CBD doesn't cause the same increase in appetite as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Does CBD make you gain weight?
Research into this is ongoing. So far, most trials haven't found that CBD increases appetite or causes weight gain, although one trial did report an increase in appetite.
Why people assume CBD causes weight gain
Because CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, it’s often assumed that CBD works the same way as cannabis and causes a high.
But this is a common misconception: CBD and cannabis are not the same.
CBD is not THC
CBD is extracted from a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant, called hemp, that’s been bred to contain very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the compound in cannabis that causes a high.
In the UK, a CBD product is only permitted to contain up to 1mg of controlled cannabinoids (such as THC) per container. Therefore, with such low levels of THC, a CBD product won’t get you high.
Unlike THC, CBD isn’t thought to cause the munchies, an increase in appetite, either.
Where the munchies actually come from
The term ‘munchies’ describes the increased feeling of hunger associated with consuming THC. THC interacts with the brain and nervous system to stimulate intense feelings of hunger, hence the term ‘munchies’, which is generally accepted to mean eating a large amount of food in one go.
CBD isn’t thought to trigger the munchies, and this difference is down to how CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system.
How CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of cells, receptors and enzymes that run from the brain throughout the body. Involved in homeostasis, or balance, within the body, it plays a role in factors such as temperature regulation, mood, immunity and pain perception. The ECS also plays an important role in appetite.
Naturally occurring chemicals called endocannabinoids act as signalling molecules within the ECS, helping to regulate processes such as sleep, mood and appetite. Once they’ve done their job, enzymes break them down.
THC is a cannabinoid that mimics the body’s own endocannabinoids by binding to cannabinoid receptors. CBD is also a cannabinoid, but it works differently and doesn’t bind strongly to these receptors.
CB1 and CB2 receptors
The best-understood receptors of the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system, helping to regulate mood, memory and appetite. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, helping balance the immune response.
How CBD behaves differently from THC at CB1
Research shows that THC binds to and activates CB1 receptors, particularly those that regulate pleasure and appetite. It’s thought that this could turn off the switch in the brain that signals that you’re full. It then reverses the signal, telling you that you’re hungry, even if you’ve just eaten.
In addition, it’s thought that THC heightens activity in the brain's pleasure centre, making certain foods smell and taste irresistible.
CBD doesn’t interact with CB1 receptors in the same way. Its exact mechanism is still unclear, but one theory is that it slows the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids. It’s therefore thought that CBD doesn’t cause the munchies as THC does.
Research about CBD and appetite
There have been various studies trying to answer the question of whether CBD causes appetite suppression. So far, the studies are inconclusive, and the effect of CBD on appetite remains a topic of debate.
Studies pointing towards reduced appetite
A 2022 systematic review of 11 clinical trials found that most reported CBD reducing appetite and/or body weight, while some found no significant change. However, the researchers noted concerns about bias in most of the studies. These trials mostly involved people with medical conditions taking CBD at doses many times higher than the FSA’s 10mg daily guidance.
Studies and reports of increased appetite
Reports of CBD increasing appetite are rare. The same 2022 review found only one trial that described an increase in appetite, and the researchers concluded that more research is needed.
Why the findings are inconsistent
As with any early research, until large-scale, randomised controlled trials have been conducted, evidence is often inconsistent. There are also strict regulations on human trials, so the research planning takes time. But in the future, there may be conclusive evidence either way.
Research about CBD and body weight
CBD is the subject of extensive research, including into its effects on body weight.
Animal studies
A 2011 animal study found that young, growing rats injected with CBD gained less weight than expected over 14 days. This hasn’t been replicated in human studies.
Test tube research on fat cell browning
The body contains two types of fat, white fat and brown fat. White fat insulates the organs and stores energy from the calories in the food we eat. Too much white fat is dangerous and can lead to chronic lifestyle diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Brown fat is found in small deposits in the body and generates heat by burning calories. Those with healthier body weights tend to have more brown fat.
Cold therapy and exercise can convert white fat into healthier brown fat in a process called fat browning. But CBD may also support this process. In 2016, a study found that CBD could promote fat browning of white fat cells. This study was small and conducted on mouse fat cells in a laboratory. Further research on humans is necessary to prove or disprove this potential.
Human data
The same 2022 review found that trials reporting reduced appetite also tended to report lower body weight. However, the trials used high doses of CBD, mostly in people with medical conditions, so the findings can’t be applied to CBD food supplements.
Loss of appetite is also a common side effect in clinical trials of prescription CBD, where doses typically range from 300mg to 800mg a day or more.
Limitations of the current evidence
As the evidence is in its infancy, it’s currently very limited due to sample size and the lack of large, randomised controlled human trials.
What actually drives changes in body weight
Diet and exercise are major drivers of weight loss and gain. Managing calorie intake by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, wholegrains and lean protein, combined with regular movement, can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Poor sleep and long-term stress can both affect appetite and food choices, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
The NHS is a great source of advice and information on weight management and reducing your body mass index (BMI).
Should you use CBD to manage your weight?
No. There’s no evidence that CBD food supplements help with weight management, and UK CBD products can’t claim that they do. If you’re looking to manage your weight, the NHS has practical advice on diet and exercise, and your GP can help.
What UK regulators say
It’s legal to buy and sell CBD products in the UK, as long as they adhere to certain criteria.
FSA advice on daily intake and novel food status
In the UK, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is an independent scientific advisory body that advises the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The FSA regulates CBD food products as novel foods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland regulates them in Scotland. In England and Wales, CBD food products must be linked to an application on the FSA’s CBD Public List to stay on sale, though being on the list doesn’t mean a product is authorised. The FSA advises that healthy adults limit CBD to 10mg per day.
In September 2026, the FSA recommended that ministers in England and Wales authorise the first three CBD food products as novel foods. Two of these are CBD isolates and one is synthetic CBD, all at least 98% pure and intended for adults at up to 10mg per day. If approved, they will be the first CBD food authorisations in Great Britain.
Why UK CBD products cannot make weight loss claims
Food products, including food supplements, can only make health claims that have been authorised for use in Great Britain. There are no authorised health claims for CBD, so CBD products can’t claim to help with weight loss or appetite control. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) also doesn’t allow food marketing to claim that a product can prevent, treat or cure any disease, including obesity.
Side effects and safety considerations
The World Health Organization describes CBD as generally well tolerated. Some people may experience mild side effects, including a dry mouth, diarrhoea and dizziness. The FSA advises healthy adults to take no more than 10mg of CBD a day, based on concerns about possible liver effects from long-term use.
CBD is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 or who is pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking any medication, unless advised by a medical professional. If in any doubt, seek medical advice.
More information and research
- Bolt Pharmacy takes an in-depth look at both CBD and THC and their effect on weight.
- Examine explains why THC and cannabis can lead to the munchies.
FAQs
Does CBD speed up your metabolism?
To date, there isn't enough research to suggest that CBD can boost metabolism. Some early laboratory research on cells suggests that CBD may help with fat browning, converting white fat to brown fat.
Can CBD cause bloating or water retention?
There’s no evidence that CBD causes water retention. Some people experience digestive side effects such as diarrhoea. If this happens, stop taking CBD and speak to a pharmacist if symptoms continue.
Does CBD affect blood sugar levels?
Some animal studies suggest CBD may affect insulin and glucose levels. However, a small trial in people with type 2 diabetes found CBD had no significant effect on blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, speak to your GP before taking CBD.
Does your body weight change how much CBD you need?
The FSA’s 10mg daily guidance is based on an adult weighing 70kg, which works out as 0.15mg per kilogram of body weight. If you weigh less than this, your upper limit may be lower. Speak to a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Does CBD affect muscle mass or recovery?
There’s no evidence that CBD builds muscle or supports muscle recovery.
References
Food Standards Agency. (2026, June 22). Food Fact Check: CBD safety and health claims. https://food.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/22/food-fact-check-cbd-safety-and-health-claims/
Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cannabidiol-cbd-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd-guidance
Food Standards Agency. (2026). CBD novel food applications: recommendations to ministers on first authorisations. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/food-standards-agency-september-2026-board-meeting/cbd-novel-food-applications-recommendations-to-ministers-on-first-authorisations
Ignatowska-Jankowska, B., Jankowski, M. M. & Swiergiel, A. H. (2011). Cannabidiol decreases body weight gain in rats: involvement of CB2 receptors. Neuroscience Letters, 490(1), 82–84. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304394010015776
Jadoon, K. A., Ratcliffe, S. H., Barrett, D. A., et al. (2016). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabivarin on glycemic and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 39(10), 1777–1786. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/39/10/1777/129/Efficacy-and-Safety-of-Cannabidiol-and
Johnson, J. (2023, November 9). Can CBD help you lose weight? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324733
Kubala, J. (2024, January 25). Can CBD help with weight loss? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-for-weight-loss
Parray, H. A. & Yun, J. W. (2016). Cannabidiol promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 416, 131–139. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-016-2702-5
Pedersen, T. (2024, February 9). Does CBD increase your appetite? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-increase-your-appetite
Pinto, J. S. & Martel, F. (2022). Effects of cannabidiol on appetite and body weight: a systematic review. Clinical Drug Investigation, 42(11), 909–919. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36180814/
World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) critical review report. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
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