This week, during the Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman examines the metabolic consequences of medications used for mental health, such as antidepressants and antianxiety drugs. Ben highlights the close connection between mental health disorders like depression and anxiety with metabolic issues, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. These medications, while effective for managing mental health symptoms, often lead to metabolic side effects such as weight gain and insulin resistance, complicating the relationship between mental and metabolic health.

Dr. Bikman reviews key neurotransmitters—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—that influence both mental and metabolic functions. Serotonin helps regulate mood and appetite but can promote fat accumulation and inhibit fat breakdown. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward systems but also plays a role in regulating energy expenditure and fat metabolism. Norepinephrine, closely related to adrenaline, is involved in the body’s stress response and can stimulate fat breakdown and thermogenesis.

The lecture then shifts to the metabolic effects of common mental health medications, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. While these drugs can stabilize mood, they are often linked to significant metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and cravings for carbohydrateheavy foods. Ben notes that these medications may exacerbate underlying metabolic issues, potentially worsening the mental health conditions they are meant to treat.

Dr. Bikman concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing metabolic health when treating mental health disorders. He highlights the role of brain glucose hypometabolism, where insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to anxiety and depression. He suggests that improving metabolic health through approaches like ketogenic diets could potentially enhance mental health outcomes by better nourishing the brain and restoring neurotransmitter balance.

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00:00 Introduction: Mental Health Medications and Metabolic Health
01:28 The Link Between Mental and Metabolic Health
02:41 Dr. Bikman’s Approach as a Metabolic Scientist
03:44 Key Neurotransmitters: Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine
05:47 Serotonin’s Role in Metabolism and Fat Accumulation
09:07 Dopamine: Appetite Regulation and Fat Breakdown
11:13 Norepinephrine and Fat Mobilization
12:47 Metabolic Effects of Mental Health Medications
13:56 SSRIs: Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance
16:21 Tricyclic Antidepressants and Metabolic Effects
17:34 Atypical Antipsychotics and Metabolic Syndrome
18:50 Mirtazapine: Weight Gain and Fat Accumulation
23:00 Trazodone: A Personal Experience with Sleep and Metabolism
24:03 The Connection Between Medications and Carbohydrate Cravings
25:19 Brain Glucose Hypometabolism and Mental Health Disorders
29:38 Conclusion: Managing Mental and Metabolic Health Together

Ben’s favorite mealreplacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)
Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)
Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)
Ben’s favorite health checkup for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)
Ben’s favorite health checkup for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)
Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10)

References:

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