What Is Psilocybin? And Can It Help You Lose Weight?

25 Jun What Is Psilocybin? And Can It Help You Lose Weight?

Posted at 21:01h in Weight Loss by

Psychedelics, microdosing and psilocybin are hot topics of conversation with increasing research efforts focussed on exploring their health and wellbeing benefits. But could they hold the key to sustainable weight loss?

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound present in “magic mushrooms”, is making waves for its potential impact on weight loss. As a team of nutritionists who specialise in weight loss, we’ve been following the research closely. Read on to find out what we know about how it could help you lose weight.

If you’re looking for a personalised, expert-led approach to overcoming your weight and nutrition challenges, and establishing healthy lifestyle habits that stick long term, we can help. Book your complimentary call today to find out more.

WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?

Psilocybin is a naturally-occurring psychoactive compound found in certain types of mushrooms, known as “magic mushrooms”. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body to psilocin. Psilocin is responsible for the altered state of consciousness associated with its use. Its use for medicinal and recreational purposes dates back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest known psychedelics.

POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF PSILOCYBIN

Recent research has shown promising results in using psilocybin for the treatment of a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. Studies have found that it has the ability to increase neuroplasticity, leading to changes in brain structure that may contribute to these therapeutic effects. 

One study conducted at Johns Hopkins University found that psilocybin-assisted therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients. The study found that patients who received psilocybin reported significant improvements in mood and quality of life, with effects lasting up to six months after treatment.

Another study conducted at Imperial College London linked the therapeutic effects to the treatment of addiction. One study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy was associated with reduced cravings and increased abstinence rates in individuals with alcohol addiction.

CAN PSILOCYBIN BE USED FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

You can read our deep dive into psychedelics and weight loss here. One way psilocybin mediates its effects is via serotonin receptors. Serotonin plays a key role in multiple processes related to eating, and has effects on appetite and satiety. Some drugs that increase levels of serotonin have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss. However, medications of this type have been withdrawn due to safety concerns. Studies have confirmed that psilocin affects three different serotonin receptors. The 5-HT2C receptor has been repeatedly shown to play a key role in satiety. Treatment with 5-HT2C agonists results in weight-loss and may also reduce food consumption in other ways including reducing conditioned responses and impulsivity.

WHAT IS MICRODOSING?

Microdosing refers to the practice of taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin on a regular basis. Proponents of microdosing believe that it can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall well-being, while minimising the potential risks associated with larger doses of the drug. Some studies suggest that microdosing the compound can improve mood and mental health. 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PSILOCYBIN USE?

The active ingredient in magic mushrooms has been used for centuries for spiritual and medicinal purposes. However, while psilocybin is generally considered safe when used in a controlled setting, there may still be risks associated with its use. The most significant risk is the potential for a “bad trip”, or an overwhelming psychedelic experience, which is why many prefer to opt for microdosing. Long-term use has not been well-studied and its effects on the brain and body are not fully understood. 

THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF PSILOCYBIN

Psilocybin can be found in various species of mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe azurescens. These mushrooms are typically ingested orally. They can be consumed fresh or dried, brewed into tea, or mixed into food or drinks. Vellum Health are a reputable Canadian company that produces organic microdosing products from an assortment of mushroom varieties. 

THE LEGALITY OF PSILOCYBIN AROUND THE WORLD

The legal status of psilocybin varies widely around the world. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Brazil, the possession and consumption of psychedelic mushrooms is legal. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, they are still illegal to possess and sell. The legality of the drug varies from state to state in America.

HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

When it comes to purchasing psilocybin for microdosing and larger trip doses, it’s important to choose a trusted supplier.

Vellum Health is a Canadian company that produces organic psilocybin mushroom products from a range of mushroom varieties. Vellum offers a diverse line of organic microdosing products including capsules, tinctures, and gummies. They provide clients with a range of doses to fit their individual needs. If you’re keen to start microdosing, consider starting with an Enhance Micro Mixed pack so that you can try different strengths and find what works for you. It’s a good idea to start with the lowest dose and build up over time.

In addition to providing high quality microdosing products, Vellum offers clients guidance on their use of psilocybin. If you’re a beginner and are looking for personalised advice from an expert, you can book a consultation with a member of the team who can help you take the approach that is best for you.

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Psilocybin is a powerful psychedelic compound with a long history of use for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. While research suggests that it may have potential therapeutic benefits for weight loss, often a more comprehensive approach is required for long term weight management.

We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.

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Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

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Sarah spent a large part of her teens and 20’s as a professional dancer battling with orthorexia and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. This created a desire to understand the human body more so she could finally cut through the confusion and end the cycle of yoyo dieting. This fuelled her passion to help other women do the same.

 

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Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

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NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

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Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

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Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

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