# A single dose of cannabidiol increases ad libitum energy intake in healthy adults but does not affect postprandial glucose or lipid metabolism. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cbd-appetite-effects-increased-food-intake-clinical-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-27T18:26:30-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:17:06-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Clinical study reveals 298mg CBD significantly increased food intake by 193 calories in healthy adults without affecting glucose or lipid metabolism. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #91High Clinical Relevance Evidence Brief | CED ClinicSingle-dose CBD increased caloric intake by 193 kcal at lunch in healthy adults without affecting glucose or lipid metabolism. CbdAppetiteEnergy IntakeMetabolismRct Single-dose CBD increased caloric intake by 193 kcal at lunch in healthy adults without affecting glucose or lipid metabolism. What This Study Teaches Us This controlled trial demonstrates that acute CBD administration can stimulate appetite in healthy individuals, contradicting common assumptions about CBD’s appetite-suppressing effects. The study design allows for causal inference about CBD’s immediate impact on food intake behavior. Why This Matters This finding challenges widespread beliefs that CBD suppresses appetite and suggests clinicians should counsel patients that CBD may increase caloric intake. For patients using CBD for other indications, this appetite-stimulating effect represents a potential side effect requiring monitoring. Study Snapshot Study Type Randomized Controlled Trial Population 15 healthy adults (4 females) Intervention 298 mg CBD single dose Comparator Placebo Primary Outcome Ad libitum energy intake at lunch 180 minutes post-dose Key Finding 193 kcal greater intake with CBD vs placebo (979 vs 786 kcal, p=0.003) Journal Appetite Year 2024 Clinical Bottom Line A single 298 mg dose of CBD increased voluntary food intake by approximately 200 calories without affecting metabolic parameters in healthy adults. This appetite-stimulating effect occurs acutely and should be considered when prescribing CBD. What This Paper Does Not Show The study cannot establish chronic effects of CBD on appetite, weight gain, or [metabolic health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-compounds-reverse-fatty-liver-disease/) with repeated dosing. It does not demonstrate effects in patients with medical conditions, appetite disorders, or those taking other medications that might interact with CBD. Where This Paper Deserves Skepticism The small sample size (n=15) with only 4 females limits generalizability. The single-dose design may not reflect real-world CBD use patterns, and individual variability in CBD metabolism could affect responses significantly. Dr. Caplan's Take This is the first controlled evidence I’m aware of showing CBD actually stimulates appetite in humans. In my practice, I’ll need to adjust [patient counseling](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) about potential weight effects, especially for those using CBD long-term for anxiety or [sleep disorders](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-sleep-quality-study-patient-benefits/). What a Careful Reader Should Take Away CBD may increase caloric intake acutely in healthy individuals, contrary to popular belief. This finding requires replication in larger, more diverse populations before making broad clinical recommendations about CBD and appetite regulation. Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? 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Yes, a single 298 mg dose of CBD significantly increased energy intake by 193 kcal (about 25% more) at an ad libitum lunch compared to placebo in healthy adults. This appetite-stimulating effect occurred approximately 3 hours after CBD administration, suggesting CBD may have orexigenic properties in humans. #### Will CBD affect my blood sugar or cholesterol levels after meals? Based on this study, CBD does not appear to affect postprandial glucose or lipid metabolism following a mixed-macronutrient meal. Despite the increased food intake, participants showed no significant changes in blood-based energy substrates or metabolic markers compared to placebo. #### How much CBD was used in this study and when did effects occur? Participants received a single 298 mg dose of CBD, which is considered a relatively high dose. The appetite-stimulating effects were measured 180 minutes (3 hours) after CBD ingestion, indicating the effects may take several hours to manifest. #### Are these appetite effects of CBD clinically relevant for patients? The 193 kcal increase in food intake represents a clinically meaningful change that could be relevant for patients with appetite loss or wasting conditions. However, this study only included 15 healthy adults (mostly males), so results may not generalize to patient populations or women. #### Could CBD be useful for treating appetite disorders or weight loss? While this study suggests CBD may stimulate appetite, it was conducted in healthy individuals rather than patients with appetite disorders. Further research is needed in clinical populations with conditions like cancer cachexia, anorexia, or involuntary weight loss to determine therapeutic potential. 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Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).