The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Discover the intriguing world of lectins, harmful proteins found in common carbohydrates like legumes and grains. Learn how these pesky molecules disrupt gut health and insulin signaling, contributing to a range of health issues from obesity to autoimmune disorders. Dr. Bikman reveals how lectins can create leaky gut, leading to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. He provides insights into dietary strategies and cooking methods that can help mitigate these risks, urging listeners to stay informed and proactive about their health.

Discover how lipoprotein lipase (LPL) acts as a metabolic gatekeeper that determines whether fat is burned or stored. Learn about its tissue-specific roles and hormonal influences, like how insulin promotes fat storage. Explore why low-carb diets and exercise can shift LPL activity towards fat burning. Delve into the differences in fat distribution linked to hormones, explaining why men and women store fat differently. This fascinating discussion reveals the intricate connection between diet, hormones, and metabolic health.

Fluoride isn’t just for strong teeth; it may disrupt our metabolic health too. Chronic exposure can impair fat cell function and insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance and potential obesity. Evidence shows fluoride affects mitochondrial function, damaging energy production in fat and liver cells. There’s even a link between fluoride levels and cognitive development, thyroid health, and fertility. Explore how to mitigate these risks while understanding the complex effects of this common substance.

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman explores the critical yet often overlooked role of fat tissue as an endocrine organ, not just a passive energy storage site.Fat secretes dozens of bioactive hormones, collectively called adipokines, that influence everything from appetite and insulin sensitivity to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. He focuses primarily on leptin, adiponectin, and PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), detailing how each one affects whole-body metabolism and health.Leptin, produced by fat cells, signals the brain about the body’s energy stores, affecting long-term appetite and fertility more than immediate satiety. Paradoxically, individuals with obesity often have high leptin levels but suffer from leptin resistance, leading to persistent hunger and metabolic dysfunction. In contrast, adiponectin levels decrease as fat mass increases. Adiponectin plays a powerful protective role by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting fat metabolism, making it a key marker of good metabolic health.Ben also highlights PAI-1, a lesser-known adipokine secreted mainly by visceral fat, which inhibits the breakdown of blood clots, thereby raising cardiovascular disease risk. He further discusses other adipokines such as resistin, TNF-alpha, and angiotensinogen, which link excess fat mass to insulin resistance, inflammation, and hypertension.Finally, he contrasts subcutaneous fat (more benign) with visceral fat (more harmful) and explains how brown fat offers unique metabolic benefits by promoting thermogenesis and thyroid hormone activation. The location and health of fat tissue matter just as much as its quantity.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A after the lecture with Ben, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com#FatHormones #Leptin #Adiponectin #PAI1 #MetabolicHealth #FatLoss #InsulinResistance #Endocrinology #ObesityScience #SubcutaneousFat #VisceralFat #BrownFat #CardiovascularHealth #Inflammation #GlucoseControl #Ceramides #HormoneHealth #FatStorage #DrBenBikman #KetoScience Ben’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884Ben’s favorite meal-replacement 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 check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: BEN10)Ben’s favorite dress shirts and pants: https://toughapparel.com/?ref=40 (use BEN10 for 10% off)Other products Ben likes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/benbikmanphd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Dr. Bikman dives deep into the metabolic role of cortisol, the body’s primary glucocorticoid. He explains that while cortisol is essential for survival—mobilizing energy during fasting or stress—chronically elevated levels can wreak metabolic havoc.Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex under direction from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Its main role is to ensure energy availability, stimulating glycogen breakdown, muscle catabolism, and fat breakdown in specific depots. However, long-term cortisol elevation, such as in Cushing’s disease, leads to fat redistribution, muscle loss, insulin resistance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.Cortisol’s metabolic effects are driven by its action on glucocorticoid receptors inside cells, activating genes like PEPCK and glucose-6-phosphatase that stimulate gluconeogenesis and increase blood sugar. It also indirectly causes insulin resistance by increasing ceramide accumulation, which interferes with insulin signaling in cells like muscle and fat. This, combined with glucose overproduction and muscle loss (the major glucose sink), creates a perfect metabolic storm: high blood sugar, high insulin, and reduced glucose uptake.The hormone also affects fat storage patterns. Cortisol enhances fat accumulation in visceral (abdominal) fat while stimulating fat loss in subcutaneous regions like the limbs. It increases fat uptake by upregulating lipoprotein lipase and blocks fat breakdown by suppressing hormone-sensitive lipase, especially in the abdominal region. Yet cortisol alone isn’t enough to cause fat gain—insulin is still required. Ben illustrates this by showing how individuals with untreated type 1 diabetes have high cortisol and high appetite but still lose fat without insulin.Lastly, cortisol influences the brain’s hunger and reward systems, increasing carbohydrate cravings through neuropeptide Y and dopamine signaling. Chronic stress or medical conditions that elevate cortisol can drive overeating and central obesity. In short, while cortisol is necessary, its chronic elevation leads to insulin resistance, fat redistribution, and loss of metabolic control.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A after the lecture with Ben, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com#Cortisol #InsulinResistance #ChronicStress #GlucoseControl #MetabolicHealth #CushingsDisease #HormonalBalance #FatStorage #Ceramides #DrBenBikman #VisceralFat #FatLoss #SubcutaneousFat #BloodSugar #AppetiteRegulation #Type2Diabetes #Mitochondria #HPAaxis #CortisolAndCravings #FatDistribution 📢 Learn more about becoming an Insider on Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the two distinct paths of insulin resistance: the fast and the slow. Fast insulin resistance can strike quickly due to high carbohydrate intake, stress, and inflammation, but can often be reversed swiftly. In contrast, slow insulin resistance develops gradually and stems from long-term lifestyle habits, leading to larger fat cells that further disrupt insulin signaling. The role of inflammation and ceramides in these processes is critical, emphasizing the need for effective lifestyle adjustments to combat metabolic dysfunction.

Discover the fascinating world of cold therapy and its impact on metabolism. Learn how cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue, helping to burn calories and transform white fat into metabolically active beige fat. Delve into the benefits of shivering, which promotes glucose uptake and boosts insulin sensitivity. Explore the influence of hormones, like FGF21 and adiponectin, on fat oxidation and mitochondrial health. Plus, compare various cold exposure methods to optimize your wellness journey.

Dr. Ben Bikman dives into the controversial role of seed oils and their primary component, linoleic acid, in insulin resistance. He traces the surge of seed oil use and its alarming correlation with rising insulin resistance rates. Examining the impact of oxidized linoleic acid, he distinguishes between harmful byproducts and the fat itself. While animal studies reveal the dangers of high linoleic acid diets, human research presents a murkier picture with mixed results. The discussion underscores the complexity of dietary fats and their influence on metabolic health.

Dive into the fascinating world of fat metabolism, where Dr. Bikman breaks down saturated, mono, and polyunsaturated fats. Discover how each type affects your body and health, with saturated fats acting as stable energy sources. Learn about the unique properties of short-chain fats found in coconut oil, which bypass traditional fat storage. The discussion also highlights the risks of polyunsaturated fats, particularly from refined seed oils, and the essential role of insulin in managing fat and promoting good health.

Discover the fascinating world of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro, and how they could reshape weight loss strategies. Delve into the complex relationship between gut health and mental wellness, as Dr. Bikman discusses the effects of these drugs on appetite control and carbohydrate cravings. Uncover a four-step plan for smarter usage that emphasizes low doses, resistance training, and dietary adjustments. Learn about the potential risks involved and the importance of a holistic approach to weight management and metabolic health.