Weight loss study shows THCV and CBDV may help reduce BMI

A small study has revealed that participants lost three points off their body mass index when taking a rare hemp extract.

It is estimated that over 73 percent of US adults are overweight or obese with nearly three out of four Americans struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the UK, the NHS calculates that 67 percent of men and 60 percent of women are obese and that 11,117 hospital admissions are directly related.

Weight loss can feel particularly difficult due to factors such as busy lifestyles, isolation and different health conditions.

Weight loss study

A small weight loss study supported by a grant from the National Institute for Health (NIH) revealed that a rare hemp extract may potentially help with weight loss.

The double-blind and placebo-controlled study was conducted over 90 days with 100 participants. The participants were given Nitro-V, a hemp extract microcapsule but encouraged not to change their diet or exercise routines.

61 percent of participants experienced a reduction in hunger

Participants took one or two capsules per day. Each microcapsule delivers 50mg of naturally balanced hemp cannabinoids in a base of golden hemp seed oil.

It is thought that the full-spectrum hemp extract which contains Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) may aid weight loss. CBDV and THCV may have stronger pain relief and anti-seizure properties compared to CBD.

It is worth noting that THCV is illegal in the UK and this was a US-based study.

Read more: Nicotine dependency: Could CBD help with withdrawal symptoms?

Weight loss study results

In the hemp group, the average body mass index (BMI) dropped by three points, with some participants shedding 22 pounds over the 90 day period. This was in contrast to the placebo group that 64 percent of participants either gained weight, stayed the same or experienced no BMI changes.

The research revealed that 61 percent of participants experienced a reduction in hunger, 40 percent had fewer food cravings and 52 percent reported a drop in anxiety.

Arthur Jaffee, founder and CEO of ECS Brands said: “So many people are grappling with their weight being higher than they would like. They try to make healthy changes but may not see the results they want. Nitro-V is a quantum leap forward in a space where products aimed at appetite control are frequently not backed by science or considered safe. It is a fast and effective supplement that can help manage cravings and jump-start weight loss.”

He added: “Those working to reduce their weight and enhance their overall health are looking for any advantage they can find to help them stick to their exercise and nutrition regimens. With the results of these studies, we think that Nitro-V could be the tool to help many unlock their weight-loss potential and feel better.”

Read more: Study reveals 15 percent of workers use cannabis while working

THCV Legality

US

There is some confusion over the legal status of THCV in the US. It can be psychoactive in large doses so this would normally make it illegal. However, it is not scheduled at the federal level which happens with some individual cannabinoids. It is not scheduled by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances either.

UK
THCV is listed a Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 as a controlled drug. It is illegal to possess or sell THCV in the UK.

This is not the first weight loss study on THCV but the most recent one that confirms the previous results.