The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
How ADHD Medications Affect Fat Burning, Insulin & Brain Health
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Stimulant ADHD medications can suppress appetite, causing potential weight loss and binge-eating episodes as their effects wear off.
- ADHD may have metabolic roots, with brain glucose metabolism impairments suggesting dietary choices like ketogenic diets could offer stability.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Treatment of ADHD
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 5 to 10% of children and approximately half of that percentage in adults. The growing awareness of this condition has led to an increased search for effective treatments, resulting in widespread use of both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants, including amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall and methylphenidate-based drugs like Ritalin, work primarily by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thus helping to regulate attention and focus. However, it is important to note that while these medications have therapeutic benefits, they can also lead to various metabolic side effects, particularly concerning appetite and weight changes, which demand careful consideration among users, especially children.
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