How effective is exercise for treating depression, and how can we help more people use it as a cornerstone of treatment? The last decade we have seen mounting evidence that exercise can play a big role in mental health through a variety of mechanisms. In this interview, Dr. Nick Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and researcher, shares his innovative approach to using exercise as a therapeutic intervention, drawing from his recent co-authored paper. In this interview you’ll learn: Why exercise is comparable to antidepressants and therapy in treating mild to moderate depression. How a holistic, lifestyle-based approach can complement traditional treatments. The mechanisms linking exercise to improved mental health, including metabolic health benefits and social interaction. How to personalize exercise prescriptions for individuals based on their physical and mental health needs. Challenges of integrating exercise into psychiatric care Movement is a core pillar of our THINK + SMART program, embodying the 'M' in the acronym. Exercise not only has the remarkable ability to provide an immediate boost to mood and mental clarity but also fosters long-term adaptations that support both metabolic and mental health. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, we are optimistic that exercise will become a foundational component in the standard of care for mental health treatment. Expert Featured: Nicholas Fabiano, MD X: @NTFabiano Studies Mentioned: How to Prescribe Physical Activity for Depression *https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000099** Importance of Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type (FITT) in Physical Activity Assessment for Epidemiological Research https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404889 The Effect of Exercise on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071 CMEs Mentioned Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, including interviews with leading experts in metabolic psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/. Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have the potential to shape the health of millions, but are they based on outdated or flawed evidence? In this powerful interview, Dr. Bret Scher and investigative journalist Nina Teicholz expose the controversial history of dietary policy, challenge the methodology of the DGA Advisory Committee, and discuss the urgent need for change to address rising rates of metabolic and mental health disorders. And they try to answer the burning question from the guidelines: Will eating more beans, peas, and lentils make all of us healthier? What you will learn in this interview: What is the importance of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans? How is the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee committee selected? How is the DGA created and what is the quality of evidence? What are the conflicts of interest in current and past DGA committees? How are decades-old biases shaping current dietary policies? How is the DGA failing to consider individual needs? What do we know about the upcoming 2025 DGA? What are we hoping for in the upcoming 2025 Dietary Guidelines? This timely discussion brings both hope and urgency as they address the question: Will the next guidelines reflect the latest research or continue to steer us in the wrong direction? Expert Featured: Nina Teicholz X: @bigfatsurprise IG: @ninateicholz Substack: https://unsettledscience.substack.com/ Publications Mentioned Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/2025-advisory-committee-report Redesigning the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK469833/ Report: Nearly Half of Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Have Conflicts of Interest https://usrtk.org/investigations/dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee-conflicts/ Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Discover how Continuous Glucose Monitors revolutionize health management. Learn their potential to boost metabolic and mental well-being. Delve into the benefits of real-time glucose tracking and understand the importance of professional guidance. Explore tips to maximize your CGM experience and navigate the potential drawbacks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, this resource offers valuable insights into the impact of CGMs on your health journey.

Join renowned microbiome scientist Dr. Jack Gilbert as he uncovers the fascinating links between gut health, metabolism, and mental wellness. He reveals how our 40 trillion gut microbes influence everything from inflammation to brain function. Learn why personalized nutrition might be the future of healthcare and the surprising potential of fecal transplants. Gilbert also discusses the intriguing relationship between exercise and microbiota, showcasing how physical activity can enhance gut health and overall well-being.

Dr. Bret Scher interviews Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in tapering and deprescribing psychiatric medications. Dr. Josef combines his expertise in pharmaceutical safety, clinical psychiatry, and metabolic therapies to help patients safely transition off long-term medications. Topics Covered Life-Changing Outcomes Discover how Dr. Josef’s holistic methods have empowered individuals like Trudy, who transitioned from years of debilitating medications to pursuing a career in medical school through targeted dietary and metabolic interventions. Rethinking Psychiatric Medications Dr. Josef discusses the complex nature of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Learn how their effects can mask symptoms without addressing root causes and the challenges of long-term use, including tolerance, side effects, and withdrawal. The Role of Metabolic Therapies Hear about the surprising success stories of patients who used dietary changes like ketogenic or gluten-free diets to overcome severe mental health conditions, reduce medication reliance, and regain their quality of life. Deprescribing in Practice Dr. Josef shares his patient-led approach to tapering medications, including practical tips on dosage reduction, liquid formulations, and the importance of balancing withdrawal risks with ongoing medication effects. Dr. Josef’s message challenges conventional psychiatry by prioritizing patient-centered care and exploring innovative therapies that focus on the root causes of mental health challenges. This conversation provides hope and practical insights for individuals and clinicians navigating the complexities of psychiatric medication. Experts Featured Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring Taper Clinic https://taperclinic.com/dr-josef-witt-doerring/ X: @taperclinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taperclinic/ Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicNeuroscience #MetabolicPsychiatry#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #KetogenicTherapy#KetoForMentalHealth#Keto#TaperingMedications #Deprescribing

In this interview with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Corinde Wiers, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, unveils her groundbreaking research on using ketogenic therapy to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Wiers dives into how ketones, as an alternative energy source, may alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and transform the landscape of addiction recovery. This conversation covers: The science of brain energy metabolism and how ketones are preferred over glucose in AUD. Results from clinical trials, including reductions in withdrawal severity and the need for benzodiazepines. Neuroimaging data that shows how ketogenic diets affect the brain's reward system and craving mechanisms. The broader implications of metabolic therapies for treating mood disorders, addiction, and brain health. Dr. Wiers shares her journey from studying alcohol use disorders in Europe to leading cutting-edge research in the U.S. She provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating metabolic therapies into mainstream mental health and addiction treatment. Experts Featured Dr. Corinde Wiers X: @CorindeW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinde-wiers-479a9219/ https://www.med.upenn.edu/csa/corindewiers.html Resources: Ketogenic diet reduces alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans and alcohol intake in rodents https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33837086/ Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis #AlternativeTreatment #PsychiatricMedication#KetogenicTherapy #KetoforAlcoholUseDisorder #AlcoholUseDisorder

Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of metabolic psychiatry with Dr. Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Amae Health. In this comprehensive interview, Dr. Fears explores how ketogenic therapy, dietary adjustments, and personalized metabolic approaches are reshaping mental health treatment. He discusses ketosis as a therapeutic tool, its impact on mood and cognitive stability, deprescribing medications, and the potential of "food as medicine" to support mental well-being. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone exploring alternative mental health treatments, or simply interested in the intersection of nutrition and mental health, this interview offers valuable insights into metabolic psychiatry's potential to create a new standard for mental health care. Experts Featured Scott Fears, MD, PhD Chief Medical Officer, Amae Health https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-c-fears-99b8b14/ https://amaehealth.com/ Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #KetogenicTherapy#KetoForMentalHealth #Alzheimers#Dementia#Keto

In this video, we tackle a common misconception: that losing weight alone will make you healthier. Contrary to popular belief, simply reducing the number on the scale may not lead to better health outcomes. Instead, it's crucial to focus on losing fat mass, maintaining or building lean mass like muscle and bone, and improving your overall metabolic health. We dive deep into how medications like Wegovy and Ozempic—while popular for weight loss—don't differentiate between fat and muscle loss, which can be crucial for long-term health. We'll also explore the growing evidence supporting ketogenic diets for their ability to promote fat loss while preserving muscle mass, making them a compelling option for improving body composition. Watch this video to understand how optimizing your body composition, rather than just losing weight, can lead to sustainable health benefits. *Papers Mentioned* _Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity_ https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 _Body Composition Changes After Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet in Obesity Evaluated by 3 Standardized Methods_ https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/102/2/488/2972058?login=false _Long-Term Effects of a Novel Continuous Remote Care Intervention Including Nutritional Ketosis for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Non-randomized Clinical Trial_ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00348/full *Resources* Metabolic Mind’s Families & Peers page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/families-and-peers Clinician Directory: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicNeuroscience #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#AlternativeTreatment#Ozempic #BodyRecomposition #KetoWeightLoss

Dr. Lori Calabrese, a board-certified psychiatrist at Innovative Psychiatry, dives deep into the delicate world of psychiatric medication management. She emphasizes personalized tapering strategies, distinguishing between withdrawal and original symptoms. The conversation covers the critical role of patient involvement, especially in relation to lifestyle factors like exercise and the ketogenic diet. Dr. Calabrese also explores managing expectations and risks, ensuring safe and compassionate medication adjustments for better mental health outcomes.

How does the food we eat impact the way our bodies absorb and metabolize medications? What do we have to be aware of if we are eating a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet, and how it’s going to impact so many of the medications people with mental illness are taking? In this engaging interview with psychopharmacology expert Dr. Deanna Kelly, you’ll learn how the food you eat can influence the effectiveness of mental health medications such as Cobenfy and the extended-release form of Quetiapine, where absorption rates are affected by high-fat meals. Dr. Kelly shares valuable insights on optimizing psychiatric care with individualized approaches, revealing practical tips for patients and practitioners alike. This conversation is essential viewing for those interested in the latest strategies in metabolic psychiatry and the powerful role of nutrition in mental health care. *Experts featured* Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/kelly-deanna/ X: @ProfDeannaK https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-l-kelly-pharmd-bcpp-3a8b299b/ *Related Publications* _Dietary Influence on Drug Efficacy: A Comprehensive Review of Ketogenic Diet–Pharmacotherapy Interactions_ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11054576/ *Related Videos* https://youtu.be/tzPlQ6dJwe8 *Sign Dr. Christopher Palmer’s Petition to Reinstate the Study* https://bit.ly/3Ap8Oe4 About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicMetabolicTherapy #NutritionalKetosis#KetogenicTherapy#Depression#Schizophrenia#Keto#PsychMeds