See Andrew Huberman live in New York, Los Angeles & San Francisco:
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss both healthy eating and clinically recognized eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
I explain how brain circuits, hormones such as leptin and reward systems interact to regulate appetite, satiety and overall eating behaviors. I also discuss the serious health risks associated with anorexia, explain how disrupted eating habits contribute to its development and highlight evidence-based treatments for anorexia. Finally, I explore binge eating and bulimia, discussing the underlying causes and the pharmacological treatments commonly used to support recovery.
Episode show notes:
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch the full-length episode:
Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes:
*Follow Huberman Lab*
Instagram:
Threads:
X:
Facebook:
TikTok:
LinkedIn:
Website:
Newsletter:
*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Eating Disorders
00:01:05 Fasting, Intermittent Fasting, Healthy Eating
00:06:10 Self-Diagnosis Caution
00:07:20 Eating Disorders, Anorexia Nervosa
00:11:07 Hunger & Satiety; Appetite, Body Fat & Brain
00:15:48 Homeostasis & Reward Systems, Eating Disorders
00:19:40 Anorexia, Puberty, Hyperacuity & Food
00:22:46 Decision-Making vs Reflexes/Habits, Anorexia
00:26:20 Anorexia & Breaking Habits, Therapies & Family-Based Models
00:28:59 Distorted Self-Image & Anorexia
00:31:53 Bulimia & Binge-Eating Disorder, Impulsivity & Prescription Treatments
00:35:39 Recap & Key Takeaways
Disclaimer & Disclosures:
source
Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew
Those are stereotypes. There are many eating disordered people who have mixed symptoms and traits.
I have ''ARFID'' and its a nightmare.. i ended up in the hospital after losing 20lbs in a month basically forgetting to eat and going into refeeding syndrome… its brutal after 7 weeks of NG tube and vitamins i gained 25 lbs back still in outpatient getting better..
I've suffered from all three, but all undiagnosed anorexia, bulimia and overeating, binging and I got myself out without meds through self-compassion and self-acceptance. And now I want to help others on their journey to free themselves. Pls recah out if that's something you want to do as well so that we can support each others.
Dr Huberman,
Thank you for your extensive research and insight in this video.
As a request, would you consider doing a full episode on the topic of bulimia. As a victim currently trying to recover I am finding mixed research and treatments. I would love to know your scientific opinion on the matter, and am asking for your help.
Thank you again so much.
Hello Andrew, thank you so much for covering this topic – indeed a difficult one. I have a question that I am hoping to bring to your attention. While the mechanisms that give rise to bulimia and anorexia are fairly clear by now, one thing that seems to be left out of the discussion is the long-term effects of these eating disorders on the brain and body. While treatment necessarily begins with measures to stop the behaviour and change the underlying disruptions causing it, I believe that we need to know more about long-term recovery and whether it is entirely possible at all. This is crucial for survivors of severe eating disorders, not least those who experience it during puberty (but not only), who might continue to have symptoms of neurological and metabolic dysfunction long after returning to a normal eating regimen.
I do not possess the medical expertise, nor do I have any evidence, but I would suspect for instance that it could potentially cause durable changes in the prefrontal cortex leading to symptoms that mimic ADHD, even if the impulsivity is no longer directed toward food (in the case of bulimia). I would also suspect long-term impacts on other vital organs.
I believe I have now listened to all your episodes on the topic and, correct me if I am wrong, this question has not been addressed. I also struggle to find the answer elsewhere. Perhaps you could do an episode on the subject?
Unfortunately, the medical system is not well equipped to help those who suffer from these issues, or even to recognise them. Your amazing ability to review and distill information would be immensely helpful. Thank you as always for your work.
What if you had history of BED and bulimia and when they went on a weight loss journey it turned into orthorexia which turned into anorexia. Now they are in recovery from all of it 😢
this was no effing help at all…..launching into intermittent fasting….utter crap!!!!!!!!
I need help my daughter just turned 13 and I've tried everything and I dont know where to take her or what Doctor's are available for this disease. Pls if anyone could give me a good advice 🙏
As a 28 year old guy I've always struggled my entire life to this day when it comes to eating I do eat but I've got severe problems doing so when I'm hungry I eat and when I'm not can be like all day till the next day I don't eat usually 1-2 days I've very picky and usually its very hard for me to find anything appetizing snacks is my entire life chips drinks candy etc… Hope this makes anyone feel better stay strong your not alone😊
Part 2 anout bulimia & other type. You explained amazing anorexia))
I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in 1978 when I was 12. I was a sporty, popular but very anxious child. I had no particular body image concerns. I initially lost weight due to high levels of training for sports without a compensatory energy intake. But soon my drive to restrict food and to over-exercise became compulsive. This was not wilful behaviour; I was genuinely terrified of my intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. I nearly lost my life to the illness in my 30s and didn’t start to recover until my 40s. It’s been a hard slog, but now, age 60, I’m thankfully a lot better. The key to recovery is to learn how to eat well and to manage the associated distress.
is it rude for bulimics to puke up good food
Thank
Thank
I'm so thankful I came across his channel. All very informative topics and he explains everything so clearly and easy to understand. 🙏
Can you talk more about bulimia? 🙏🏼
I’ve had eating disorder for years. All kinds of it. Unfortunately, nothing really seemed to work, and then I hit the lowest point. After that, I came into the 12 step program, and with its help, I finally got freedom from this cycle. I live and eat as a normal human being, and I am so grateful for that.
I know that this program does not have much to do with science, but it works. And I think if something works for really desperate people, it’s already good enough for the general public and a miracle for those suffering
Thanks for an excellent video that is respectful of people dealing with these disorders.
In the case of anorexia nervosa: "They know exactly what to eat, and what to avoid"
As a girl who was diagnosed with anorexia at age 17, recovered but had a mini-relapse recently (age 23…;() this podcast was so insightful, informative and inspirational. I love to understand the biology behind my experiences, and the topics you covered (including extreme self image distortion and habit formation) truly resonated with me. Thank you for approaching this sensitive topic so kindly. You are amazing and give me hope to get better, despite being in a tough, isolating situation atm (living alone in the opposite side of the world from my family!)
👍🏼
Eating disorders are a major issue. The only thing that's overlooked is that each eating disorder can transform into another. So, someone with anorexia can transform into bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, and each of these can evolve into the other over time. So, sometimes it doesn't kill them, it just makes them worse.
Please read the book "Yatharth Geeta" once in your life, it's available for free in 29 languages…!!!
This book has a secret formula to overcome loneliness in life….!!!
Seriously, this book by "Shri Swami Adgadanand Ji Maharaj" is perfect for people living in the 21st century. It helps you get your spiritual growth while maintaining your family & professional life….!!!
And the best part? You don't have to become a monk or anything to get something out of it…!!!
It tells you how to handle stress, depression, anxiety, and all that stuff. Plus, it teaches meditation step by step, it's a real gem & gift to humanity to end the loneliness forever…!!!
Thank you for the info doctor 🙂
greate🩵 🩵👍
Thank you! Can you do a detailed podcast with a guest?