Delta-8 THC has gained popularity as a milder, legal alternative to Delta-9 THC. Some users have reported unexpected effects on their appetite and weight management efforts, leading to the nickname "diet weed." This article explores the relationship between Delta-8 THC and weight loss, considering both anecdotal evidence and scientific research.
Understanding Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is a hemp-derived compound that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The letters "Delta" refer to the location of a double bond in its molecular structure; with Delta 8 being slightly less potent than Delta 9 (the classical form of THC). Like other cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC binds to receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptor. Delta-8 is an analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation inhibits adenyl cyclase, increases mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulates several potassium channel conductance and inhibits N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. The ECS plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including appetite, mood, and pain sensation.
The Appetite-Stimulating Effects of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC, like Delta-9 THC, can stimulate appetite. Delta-8 is known to stimulate appetite by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is the same mechanism that causes the classic munchies. It activates CB1 receptors in the brain, which are involved in the reward and hunger systems. This can lead to increased food intake, often referred to as "the munchies."
Customer Experiences: Appetite Suppression and Control
Despite the appetite-stimulating effects of THC, some users have reported that Delta-8 THC helps them reduce appetite, especially among people trying to clean up their eating habits or lose weight. People using Delta 8 noticed something unexpected: They didn’t feel ravenous, and others reported feeling more in control around food. Delta 8 is often described as the “calm cousin” of Delta 9, giving you a light buzz, improved mood, and relaxed clarity without the spiral of impulsive snacking. Delta 8 can absolutely be part of a weight loss routine, but it is not something you just toss in and hope for the best. Like any wellness tool, it works best when it’s used with intention.
Scientific Evidence: Metabolism and Weight Management
Research on Delta-8 THC and weight management is still in its early stages. However, some animal studies have shown promising results. In one study, mice who received small amounts of Delta 8 showed a spike in metabolism and brain activity. They actually ate more food than the control group but gained less weight. Another animal study found that delta-8 consumption led to improved cognitive function in mice and helped increase food consumption while reducing overall weight. This caused the researchers to note delta-8-THC's potential to treat weight disorders.
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The Entourage Effect
The "entourage effect" suggests that Delta-8 THC's effects may be enhanced when combined with other cannabinoids. When Delta 8 is combined with other cannabinoids like THCa or CBG, its impact seems more balanced.
Potential Benefits for Weight Loss
Delta-8-THC could make physical activity easier or more effective. It might also facilitate workout recovery. The concept is that delta-8 is giving you a big assist by ratcheting up your energy, alleviating pain and inflammation, helping you get into the zone. There’s plenty of anecdotal accounts of delta-8-THC’s ability to enhance exercise.
When you consume delta-8, you may also be getting some of the other weight management benefits associated with other aspect of cannabis. Meaning that your diet might be getting an added boost from the healthful properties of hemp or THC. Delta-8-THC products that include hemp seed oil, hemp seeds, or hemp protein, may provide hempful assistance with your dieting endeavors. As a bonus, hemp is incredibly nutritious.
If your D8 dose contains some CBD, you could be doubling down on your downsizing helpers. Because CBD also has a rep for promoting weight loss. This is particularly interesting because all this magic is happening while still nudging THC consumers to consume more calories.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
If you take too much Delta 8, the appetite suppression effect can flip. Instead of staying chill and focused, you could end up hunting snacks with the urgency of someone who just finished a marathon.
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Cannabinoids do interact with the liver enzymes responsible for processing many prescription drugs. There’s growing curiosity about how Delta 8 interacts with metabolism-focused medications. Until we do, the safest route is to proceed with medical guidance and monitor closely how your body responds.
Also, if you are using gummies or edibles, consider ones with a higher CBD ratio. CBD naturally counterbalances some of the appetite-stimulating effects of THC, and may help you stay grounded in your goals.
Strategies for Managing Appetite
If you're using Delta-8 THC and want to manage your appetite, consider the following strategies:
- Microdosing: A microdose might help calm your nerves without affecting your hunger at all.
- Timing: Timing is a big factor.
- Journaling: Keeping a simple journal can help connect the dots. Did you sleep better after using it? Were you more focused during your workout? Did you skip meal prep or hit it hard?
- Planning: Plan ahead. If you know you’re going to take Delta 8, have better options ready. A plate of sliced apples with nut butter or a bowl of frozen berries can save you from inhaling half a box of crackers. It is not about depriving yourself.
- Healthy Snacks: Before you take your Delta-8, have some healthy snacks like fruit or protein-rich options ready to go. Staying hydrated with plenty of water can also help manage the intensity of the cravings.
- Start Low: A full gummy might be too much for your body to handle, especially early on.
Delta-8 and Specific Diets
If you’re following a structured diet plan like intermittent fasting, keto, or using thermogenic supplements, adding Delta 8 gummies might actually support your efforts. Many people who use Delta 8 during fasting windows report better focus and a calm, productive energy. For those on keto or using metabolism-boosting supplements, Delta 8 can stack well with things like green tea or light caffeine.
The Importance of Medical Guidance
Always advise people to check in with their doctors prior to trying CBD for a highly-specific health result. Your care team is trained to offer the best recommendations for your particular case. As your personal wellness guide, your doc can suggest the most appropriate-for-you delta-8 product formulations, dosing, schedule, etc.
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Product Quality and Safety
Regardless of what kind of delta-8-THC you decide on, always choose the highest-quality products you can wrap your hands around. So, you’ll want to get items made with D8 derived from CBD that was extracted from organic American industrial hemp.
Legal Status of Delta-8 THC
Just to be clear, delta-8 is federally legal. Any cannabinoid derived from hemp, according to the bill, is legal so long as the final product has less than 0.3% THC. The bill effectively transferred hemp from the purview of the Controlled Substances Act to the Department of Agriculture. In May 2022, a federal appeals court upheld that delta-8 products were legal under the Farm Bill. In the years since, states have banned or restricted delta-8, while others are working to regulate the industry.
Risks and Regulations
Hospitals and poison control centers have seen a spike in cases where thousands of people have reported getting sick from exposure to delta-8 THC. Lackluster regulation of the industry is partly to blame, say experts. The FDA strongly discourages people from using it, as these products are not evaluated or approved by the federal agency.
Because the amount of delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, manufacturers use additional chemicals when creating their products. The FDA, on releasing its guidelines for delta-8, said the process is unregulated and fraught with potential harm to consumers. Manufacturing delta-8 can take place in unsanitary working conditions and can involve unsafe household chemicals at dangerous amounts that can leave people feeling sick. The bottom line is that consumers are putting their safety on the line because they don't always know they're getting with delta-8 THC.