Neural Circuitry and Overeating
Andrew explains how deep brain stimulation can help patients with overeating disorders, and how understanding which brain areas are involved in the disorder can lead to non-invasive treatments. He also discusses the disruption in the relationship to food in bulimia and binge eating disorder, and how it is caused by something deep within the neural circuitry.In this clip
From this podcast
Huberman Lab
Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders - Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging | Huberman Lab Podcast #36
Related Questions
What exactly is happening in my brain when I binge — especially in relation to this brain region? Is it an issue of dopamine or reward circuitry? Or is it more about an inability to pause and reflect before acting on an urge? How does this compare to other compulsive behaviors like addiction or OCD?
Dr. Halpern mentions a new method of brain stimulation — what is that tool, and how does it work? Is it something currently available or still in research phases? Would it ever be appropriate or effective for someone like me who doesn’t respond to traditional therapy or medication?
If this is truly a disorder with a neurological basis, how do I begin to approach healing it without just blaming myself? Are there steps I can take to “rewire” these pathways — through mindfulness, behavioral therapy, medication, or even lifestyle changes? What has actually worked for people with similar compulsive tendencies?