The research might surprise you...
Raw honey's enzymes and amino acids are sometimes credited with a modest metabolic boost compared to table sugar, though the effect size isn't well established.
Honey may have a milder effect on satiety hormones (GLP-1, leptin) than refined sugar, though this hasn't translated into reliably eating less in practice.
Honey has a lower glycemic index (55) vs white sugar (65). The fructose component bypasses early insulin response, reducing fat storage signals.
The idea behind honey before bed: slow-release glucose overnight, rather than a blood sugar dip that can disrupt sleep. Evidence for this specific to weight loss is thin.
Replace sugar 1:1 in recipes, but reduce quantity by 25%. Honey is 1.5x sweeter than sugar, so you need less total sweetener.