How THCV Can Kickstart Weight Loss: Get to Know the Diet Weed

According to World Health Organization,
more than 1.9 billion adults in the world (aged 18 years and older), were overweight, and over 650 million were obese as of 2016. In the United States alone, nearly 35% of Americans are obese, and obesity is now considered a national epidemic according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Being obese can have serious effects on a person’s physical and mental health as well. With this stated, the rise of weight loss drugs and schemes has also increased, but how would you know how effective these are? The answer is science! In the medical marijuana world, the two most common ones are CBD,
delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC, but did you know that there is another one that can help you lose weight? Meet THCV, the weight loss cannabinoid that’s been heavily studied by experts.

How the Endocannabinoid System Works

Before we dive into
THCV and its effects, it is important to understand how the endocannabinoid system works, as the next topics will mention parts of it.

The endocannabinoid system is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more. It is through this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes that cannabinoids interact with the human body and trigger therapeutic benefits.

There are at least two types of cannabinoid receptors. Many of the effects of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids are mediated by two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CB1 and CB2, although there is new evidence that additional receptors may be involved.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in several brain regions and the central nervous system. They are also found in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems. These receptors mediate many of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. CB2 receptors are predominantly distributed in the immune system. These receptors appear to be responsible for anti-inflammatory and other immune-related activity of the body.

Now, What is THCV?

THCV is short for
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, a type of cannabinoid that is an antagonist for CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system. This cannabinoid is closely similar to THC in terms of structure, but they have different effects.

In terms of molecular structure,
THCV may look the same with THC at first glance, but there is a difference as seen below.

THCV and THC may be closely related in terms of chemical structures, but they have different effects to the user. THC causes the “munchies” or the hunger feels, while THCV does the opposite. THCV is dubbed as the “diet weed” due to its ability to suppress appetite and thereby help in losing weight.

Multiple studies have found that THCV is actually good for losing weight. Not only does it curb your appetite and help you manage cravings, it also boosts your metabolism, giving you more energy and helping you burn off more calories with your daily exercise and activities.

THCV other health benefits too! It may be able to help regulate glucose in patients who have glucose resistance. THCV may be able to stabilize these glucose levels, decreasing instances of type 2 diabetes. Check out our other article about other THCV benefits for your reading pleasure!

Can THCV get you high?

As THCV is also a cannabinoid, the answer is yes. Here’s the catch, the psychoactive effects will only take effect in significantly high doses. Some
potent strains will produce psychoactive effects that are stimulating and eases brain fog or mental clarity.

How does THCV reduce hunger?

The two most famous medically-used cannabinoids in the market today are THC and CBD. THCV is considered a minor cannabinoid, and a rather less famous one. It may be considered a minor one, but the weight loss benefits of THCV aren’t considered minor.

Multiple studies show THCV may aid weight loss and promote wellness. Like other cannabinoids, THCV interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). As explained earlier, the ECS consists of two main types of receptors, CB1 and CB2. THC activates the CB1 receptor, which prompts the release of hunger-promoting hormones. On the other hand, THCV actually does the opposite, blocking the CB1 receptor and decreasing hunger.

How Does THCV Contribute to Weight Loss?

To know the relationship between THCV and weight loss, it is important to understand first how it plays its role in metabolism and body fat loss. Get to know the simple ways on how the diet cannabis, THCV contributes to weight loss:

1. THCV May Suppress Appetite

Elevated appetite means you have increased cravings, making you eat often. Frequent and uncontrolled eating can lead to unhealthy eating patterns that can make you gain weight faster. This said, if you want to lose weight, deal with your appetite and cravings first.

If you’ve been using cannabis, you will see that it can significantly affect your metabolism and appetite. As mentioned, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contribute differently to your metabolism and appetite. THC increases your appetite, while THCV suppresses it, making you eat less.

This happens because THCV lowers the CB1 receptor’s activities, but can activate it if you take it in higher doses. According to a 2018 cannabis study, a decrease in the activation of these receptors is associated with a healthier weight.

2. THCV Can Help Boost Metabolism

Since THCV is suppressing one’s appetite, it contributes a lot to losing weight. The key is to manage your food cravings, which results in boosting your metabolism.

There are various metabolic disorders, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes, which are directly linked to obesity. Taking THCV can help you reduce the cholesterol in your body, especially if you are overweight or obese, leading to a significant weight loss. In addition, THCV gives you more energy and helps burn off the excess calories.

3. THCV Can Help Convert Bad Fat into Useful Fat

Unburnt fats in the body is one of the culprits of weight gain. Did you notice that most cannabis users often have slimmer forms? The reason behind is marijuana burns calories in the body.

This claim is backed by a 2016 study published in
Springer’s Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, concluded that the use of cannabis and its components help convert bad fats into good fats, which helps in burning calories.

The presence of bad fat in the body contributes to numerous health conditions like heart problems and diabetes.

How Efficient is THCV for Weight Loss?

Being overweight or obese definitely takes a toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Too much body fat leads to chronic diseases, limiting you to do the things you love. On the other hand, having a bigger body degrades self-esteem and lowers confidence. Maintaining a proper weight is definitely a must. However, in today’s world of junk food, appetite control may be hard sometimes.

Backed by multiple studies, THCV can help in losing weight due to its ability to suppress appetite and curb hunger. However, THCV is not a miracle drug that can make you slimmer overnight. It is best to pair it with proper diet, exercise and discipline for a sustainable weight loss. This stated, THCV can kick-start your weight loss journey when done the right way.

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