Compare the Best CBD for Eating Disorders in 2022

How CBD May Help With Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses characterized as persistent eating behaviors that may cause a negative impact on an individual’s health and emotions. Individuals with this condition may form an unhealthy relationship with their weight, appearance, and food intake⁽¹⁾. 

The three common eating disorders are binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa⁽²⁾.

Eating disorders can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal issues, pulmonary health problems, stroke, and organ failure⁽³⁾.

According to NEDA or the National Eating Disorders Association, mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are closely linked to eating disorders⁽⁴⁾.

A study showed that more than 94% of the 2,400 individuals hospitalized for an eating disorder also had a coexisting mood disorder⁽⁵⁾.

CBD (cannabidiol) may contain properties that may reduce anxiety and depression⁽⁶⁾, which may help with some mental illnesses, like eating disorders. 

Research also noted that the compound may have an impact on hormones that may regulate mood⁽⁷⁾ and appetite⁽⁸⁾.

Cannabidiol, more commonly called CBD, is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant⁽⁹⁾. 

 CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits may be associated with the compound’s interaction with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its receptors⁽¹⁰⁾.  

5-TH1A receptors or serotonin receptors are endocannabinoid receptors activated by CBD⁽¹¹⁾. 

Serotonin, also called the “happy hormone,” is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and produces feelings of happiness. 

Antidepressants, which are prescribed to manage mental illnesses like eating disorders, depression, and OCD, also target these serotonin receptors to stabilize mood⁽¹²⁾. 

There are limited studies on CBD and eating disorders. However, the compound may provide a promising effect on the symptoms of the condition. 

Still, it is best to consult a medical expert experienced in cannabis use before using CBD to help with eating disorders or any related mental disorders. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Eating Disorders

CBD for Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a life-threatening eating disorder described as the continuous and uncontrollable consumption of large amounts of food⁽¹³⁾. 

Individuals may feel out of control during their binge eating and often eat alone due to being embarrassed, depressed, or guilty of their eating habits. 

People with BED are most often labeled clinically obese⁽¹⁴⁾.

According to a study in 2015, CBD may have therapeutic properties that may reduce addictive behaviors⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Due to its characteristics of compulsive eating, cravings, and diminished self-control overeating behaviors, binge eating disorder is closely linked to addiction⁽¹⁶⁾.

 According to a small study from the University of Helsinki in 2021, CBD may positively affect certain eating disorders⁽¹⁷⁾.

The study investigated the effects of CBD in non-binge-eating mice. The researchers provided the animals with constant access to food but fed a high-energy, high fat (HED) diet for 24 hours every five to eight days.

The results suggested that CBD may have provided a balancing effect on feeding in the mice. 

However, further studies on binge eating disorders and CBD are needed.

CBD for Bulimia 

Bulimia nervosa, more commonly called bulimia, is a severe eating disorder. Individuals with bulimia have a dangerous cycle of binging or eating copious amounts of food and purging⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Purging behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive workouts to avoid weight gain⁽¹⁹⁾.   

Individuals with bulimia often worry about gaining weight and being fat because they have an extremely distorted and negative body image of themselves. 

Similar to the purported benefits of CBD with BED, the compound may also help individuals suffering from bulimia with their binge eating⁽²⁰⁾.

Furthermore, antidepressants are often prescribed for bulimia and psychotherapy⁽²¹⁾. 

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant especially authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to treat bulimia⁽²²⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD has been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects⁽²³⁾.

Despite the need for more studies to determine if CBD is good for conditions like bulimia, the compound’s purported benefits seem promising for eating disorders.

CBD for Anorexia 

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder distinguished by a distorted body image, excessive weight loss, and difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight⁽²⁴⁾.

Individuals with anorexia undergo a cycle of self-starvation, where they deny their body to consume essential nutrients, resulting in severe medical consequences⁽²⁵⁾. 

Anxiety disorders and depression are closely linked to eating disorders like anorexia⁽²⁶⁾.

According to a study published in CNS and Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets, CBD may possess anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) and antidepressant properties⁽²⁷⁾.

One study in 2018 also indicated that CBD may have therapeutic potential in dealing with mental disorders like anxiety and depression⁽²⁸⁾. 

How to Take CBD Oil for Eating Disorders

You may take CBD oil in different ways if you plan to use it for helping with eating disorders and other mental health conditions. These methods are: 

• Sublingual administration: A few CBD oil drops are taken sublingually or under the tongue. This method allows the compound to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and directly enter the bloodstream. 

CBD oil tinctures or oromucosal sprays are some examples of sublingually administered CBD products. 

• Oral administration: CBD edibles such as CBD gummies, supplements, and capsules pass through the gastrointestinal tract before the compound enters the bloodstream. 
• Inhalation: CBD oil is inhaled either through vaping or smoking. Vaping is one of the quickest ways to administer CBD into the body⁽²⁹⁾.

It is highly suggested to talk to your physician before using vape products, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions⁽³⁰⁾.

Another way you can administer CBD is through topical application. CBD oil is directly applied onto the skin for localized pain relief⁽³¹⁾. Topical CBD products include creams, lotions, balms, and ointments.

CBD Dosage

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA does not consider CBD an official medical treatment for mental health illnesses. Thus, the compound does not have a standard dosage for eating disorders. 

However, a study from the journal Current Drug Safety hypothesized that humans may tolerate up to 1,500mg of CBD each day⁽³²⁾. 

Moreover, doses of 10mg to 100mg of CBD per day may effectively manage pain, inflammation, and mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety⁽³³⁾.

Still, consulting a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use to determine the optimal CBD dosage for your specific health condition is advised. 

Choosing the Right CBD for Eating Disorders

Below are some aspects that you may consider to help you find the best CBD oil for eating disorders: 

CBD Extracts

CBD extracts are categorized as broad-spectrum CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolates⁽³⁴⁾.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds in cannabis plants, including CBD, cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and less than 0.3% THC. 

Flavonoids are plant compounds that may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties⁽³⁵⁾. Terpenes, meanwhile, give the distinct fragrance of cannabis plants⁽³⁶⁾. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant, which gives users the feeling of being high. 

The presence of all the cannabis compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil may provide the entourage effect. 

This phenomenon happens when the active components of cannabis work better if administered together⁽³⁷⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains natural compounds of cannabis except for THC⁽³⁸⁾. 

Lastly, CBD isolates are pure form cannabidiol typically harvested from Cannabis sativa⁽³⁹⁾.

Carrier Oils

CBD is typically infused into a carrier oil upon the compound’s extraction from the hemp plant. Coconut, MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), and hempseed oils are the most utilized carrier oils⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Remember that ‘hempseed oil’ and ‘hemp oil’ are different from each other.  

Hemp oil is also called CBD oil and is an essential oil derived from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants, while hempseed oil is made from pressed hemp seeds.

Additionally, hempseed oil is rich in fatty acids and nutrients but does not contain cannabidiol⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Third-Party Lab Testing

Make sure that the third-party lab results or the certificates of analysis (COAs) are up-to-date and come from a trusted third-party laboratory.

Additionally, the information on the COA should match the indications in the CBD product label.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Eating Disorders?

There is no specific study on how long CBD takes to help with eating disorders. 

In general, the onset time for orally ingested CBD is approximately 30 to 90 minutes. Meanwhile, sublingual and topical CBD have an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes. 

Inhaling CBD may require 2 to 15 minutes before the compound takes effect⁽⁴²⁾. However, this method is linked to severe lung diseases, so caution is advised⁽⁴³⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Eating Disorders?

There are not enough studies to determine how long the effects of CBD may last in the body to help with eating disorders.

The compound’s effects may remain in the system depending on the potency, administration method, and form of CBD. Your body weight, metabolism, and diet may also affect the duration of CBD’s effects⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Eating Disorders

CBD may potentially cause mild side effects such as⁽⁴⁵⁾: 

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea

Moreover, using CBD products alongside prescription medications taken for eating disorders such as antidepressants⁽⁴⁶⁾ may cause side effects like fatigue, drowsiness, accidental falls, and possible accidents when driving⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Before taking any CBD products, you should inform your physician of all medications and mental health conditions you may have. 

Your medical practitioner can determine any possible drug interactions from using CBD products. 

Legality of CBD

Currently, the only CBD product that is authorized by the FDA is Epidiolex, which is an antiseizure medication for treating tubular sclerosis and seizures caused by two rare forms of childhood epilepsy⁽⁴⁸⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill stated that medical cannabis or medical marijuana is federally legal in the United States⁽⁴⁹⁾ if the product contains less than 0.3% THC. 

Still, it is necessary to verify state laws and check product labels before using or purchasing CBD products to avoid any legal repercussions.

Alternative Treatments for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are one of the mental illnesses that have the highest mortality rates of any mental condition, only following opioid overdose⁽⁵⁰⁾.

Treatments for eating disorders may depend on what type of disorder an individual has and their specific needs. Doctors may prescribe both pharmaceutical and psychological treatment methods such as⁽⁵¹⁾:

Psychotherapy: A mental health expert determines the best psychotherapy course for your situation. Individuals with eating disorders are most likely to improve through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

This therapy may help people change and understand their drive behaviors, distorted thinking patterns, and emotions. 

Medications: Individuals with eating disorders may also suffer from underlying mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Antidepressants or other drugs may improve both the mental disorders and your overall outlook on food and yourself. 

Nutrition counseling: An expert dietitian who specializes in eating disorders may help individuals with their food intake. This specialist may offer meal plans and tips for food shopping. 

Treatment for eating disorders is usually a combination of physical, behavioral, and mental approaches.