Manage episode 494979375 series 3586410
In this thought-provoking episode of Decoding Health, Dr. Urban breaks down the complex relationship between ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and dopamine, the brain’s pleasure chemical. Responding to a listener’s question inspired by Andrew Huberman’s discussions, Dr. Urban explains how ghrelin not only signals hunger but also stimulates dopamine production, creating a direct link between food and emotional reward. The episode takes a critical look at the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs (like Wegovy and Zepbound) for weight loss, examining their unintended impact on the ghrelin-dopamine axis. Dr. Urban highlights concerning side effects—such as loss of joy, depressive symptoms, and potential addictive behaviors—as a result of suppressed appetite and reward signaling. Through accessible explanations and real-world analogies, this episode urges listeners to consider the mental health trade-offs of artificial appetite suppression and emphasizes the need for informed consent in healthcare decisions.
Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover additional resources and connect with Dr. Urban A. Kiernan and his team. Plus, stay updated on the latest insights by following Dr. Kiernan on LinkedIn. Start your journey to better health today!
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107 episodes