The Metabolic Link

The Metabolic Approach to Treating Food Addiction | Dr. Tro Kalayjian | The Metabolic Link Ep. 77

Oct 1, 2025
Dr. Tro Kalayjian, a board-certified internist and obesity medicine specialist, discusses revolutionary ideas about food addiction. He delves into whether food addiction should be classified as a true addiction and shares insights from his TOWARD intervention, revealing that nearly half of participants saw reduced addiction symptoms. The conversation covers the compelling links between dopamine signaling, ultra-processed foods, and the difficulties of treatment. Tro also highlights the importance of scalable, real-world solutions for overcoming food-related compulsions.
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ANECDOTE

Physician's Personal Transformation

  • Dr. Tro lost 150 pounds by teaching himself nutrition and changed his clinical approach from that experience.
  • He now helps thousands of patients and uses his personal recovery to inform his research and care.
INSIGHT

Why Food Is A Unique Addiction

  • Addiction is defined by loss of control, cravings, and continued use despite consequences, which many patients describe for food.
  • Food is uniquely challenging because we cannot abstain and it often acts as a polysubstance with additives that potentiate reward.
ADVICE

Push For Diagnostic Recognition

  • Recognize ultra-processed food addiction in clinical practice and offer referral or support rather than dismissing symptoms.
  • Treating it would let doctors screen, diagnose, and connect patients with resources and programs.
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