Metabolic Mind

Bret Scher
  • 5.0 (13)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  1. 14 HRS AGO

    Q&A: Keto Sleep Issues, Carnitine Levels, Brain Insulin Resistance & More

    Can ketosis trigger insomnia or even mania? Do you need supplements like L-carnitine to support ketone production? Is whey protein helping or hurting your metabolic health? And how do you maintain or gain weight on a ketogenic diet without losing ketosis? Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede and cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher tackle your biggest questions in this Metabolic Mailbag episode, breaking down the science behind ketogenic metabolic therapy, including: Why some people struggle transitioning into ketosisThe role of electrolytes, protein, and meal timingBrain insulin resistance and mental healthCarnitine deficiency and ketone productionWeight loss vs. weight maintenance on a ketogenic dietProtein powders, dairy, and whole-food nutritionPractical ketogenic diet strategies for everyday life This episode also explores an important theme in metabolic psychiatry: why metabolic health markers often tell us more than standard blood sugar testing alone, and how ketogenic interventions may support brain function even in people without obvious metabolic disease. Whether you're exploring ketogenic therapy for mental health, improving metabolic health, or simply trying to make keto sustainable long term, this episode is packed with practical insights and nuanced discussion. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #Q&A Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher https://x.com/bschermd Dr. Georgia Ede https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=en Experts Mentioned: Dr. Guido Frank https://www.instagram.com/ucsdfranklab/linkedin.com/in/guido-k-w-frank-b7b42172https://profiles.ucsd.edu/guido.frank Resources Mentioned: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1749406/full Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    25 min

  2. 3D AGO

    ApoB Explained: What Your LDL Test Doesn’t Tell You

    For decades, LDL cholesterol has been the go-to metric for assessing heart disease risk. But growing research suggests there's a better predictor: ApoB. But is it a predictor in itself, or is it a marker of something even more important? Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein found on all potentially harmful lipoprotein particles, like LDL, VLDL, and remnants. Because each particle carries one ApoB, it offers a direct count of the total number of atherogenic particles, something LDL cholesterol can’t do. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the key differences between LDL and ApoB, how metabolic health influences both, and why understanding the full picture is critical for preventing heart disease. 📌 What you’ll learn: Why ApoB is more predictive than LDL in metabolically unhealthy individualsThe role of particle number vs. cholesterol contentWhat LDL and ApoB each reveal — and where they fall shortHow metabolic dysfunction drives up ApoB and cardiovascular riskWhy improving insulin sensitivity and inflammation matters more than chasing numbers Whether you're managing your own heart health or guiding others, this video will help you interpret labs more clearly so you can focus on what really matters. 👉 Subscribe to Metabolic Mind to stay up-to-date on the latest in metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and mental wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #HeartHealth 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    8 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Keto 101: Everything You Need to Get Started

    Starting a ketogenic diet, reaching ketosis, and setting the right keto macros can feel overwhelming at first, but the fundamentals are simpler than they seem. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down how to start a keto diet step by step, including how to lower carbs, balance protein, and use fat as your primary fuel source. Whether your goal is weight loss, metabolic health, or therapeutic ketosis, this guide walks through the key principles to help you get started safely and effectively. This video covers: How to reduce carbohydrates to reach ketosisHow much protein you need on a ketogenic dietHow fat supports energy and satiety on ketoWhat causes “keto flu” and how to minimize symptomsWhy hydration and electrolytes are essentialHow to test ketones and track progress You’ll also learn how different dietary approaches, such as Mediterranean, vegetarian, and others, can still support ketosis when carbohydrates are low enough. Importantly, Dr. Scher notes that if you’re using a ketogenic diet for a medical or mental health condition, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider. Dietary changes can affect medications and symptoms, making it crucial to have your healthcare team on board. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: https://www.metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/bipolar/https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/schizophrenia/https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/keto-for-depression/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    9 min

  4. MAY 4

    Keto as Adjunctive Therapy for PTSD: New Case Study

    As interest grows in alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like ibogaine and psilocybin-assisted therapy, researchers are also exploring how metabolic interventions may target the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Nicole Laurent, a licensed therapist and researcher, about a published case report exploring ketogenic metabolic therapy in treatment-resistant PTSD. Together, they break down some of the biology behind PTSD, including brain hypometabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances, and how ketogenic therapy may help address these underlying mechanisms. The conversation also explores a powerful real-world case: a woman with nearly two decades of persistent PTSD symptoms who experienced profound improvements after implementing a medically supervised ketogenic approach. In this conversation, you’ll also learn: Why metabolism may play a central role in psychiatric conditionsHow ketogenic therapy may support brain energy and neurotransmitter balanceThe importance of clinical supervision, especially when medications are involvedWhy individualized care and self-advocacy matter in emerging treatments While case reports don’t establish causation, they can highlight new directions for research and clinical care, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief with standard approaches. As research evolves, metabolic psychiatry is opening new conversations about how we understand and treat mental health conditions. If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, this discussion may offer a new perspective to explore with a qualified healthcare provider. Learn more about ketogenic therapy as an adjunct treatment for PTSD on our blog: Hope for PTSD: The Potential of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #PTSD Expert Featured: Nicole Laurent, LMHC https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/nicole-laurent-lmhc/https://mentalhealthketo.com/nicole-laurent-lmhc-about-me/ Chris Palmer, MD https://www.chrispalmermd.com/https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/chris-palmer-md/https://www.instagram.com/chrispalmermd/ Resources Mentioned: PTSD Case Report: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41783812/ Robin Engelhardt Case report: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400616091_Ketogenic_Therapy_as_a_Novel_Treatment_Approach_for_PTSD_An_Integrative_Review_and_Model Palmer Case report: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089804/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    24 min

  5. MAY 1

    Q&A: Does Keto Harm Thyroid Function? Bone Health, Ketones & More

    Can a ketogenic diet affect your thyroid? What about bone health, uric acid, cannabis use, or ketone supplements? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede answer your most pressing questions about ketogenic therapy and how it interacts with real-world health concerns. From thyroid function to mental health, this conversation highlights how nuanced and individualized metabolic therapies can be. You’ll learn: How ketogenic diets influence thyroid hormones, and why lower T3 doesn’t necessarily mean hypothyroidismWhen to monitor thyroid function more closely, especially with pre-existing conditions or medications like lithiumWhat the evidence says about protein intake, uric acid, and bone healthWhy temporary changes during the adaptation phase (like uric acid fluctuations) may not reflect long-term outcomesHow cannabis use may affect appetite, cravings, and adherence to a ketogenic dietWhether exogenous ketones and MCT oil provide the same benefits as nutritional ketosis Dr. Ede also shares a key principle: context matters. Lab values, symptoms, and individual biology all need to be considered together, especially when using ketogenic therapy for mental health or metabolic conditions. The key takeaway: ketogenic therapy is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a dynamic, personalized approach that often requires thoughtful monitoring, adjustments, and collaboration with a knowledgeable clinician. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher https://x.com/bschermd?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^authorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ Dr. Georgia Ede https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemdhttps://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaEdeMd/https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/?hl=en Experts Mentioned: Dr. Jeff Volek Website: https://lowcarb.osu.edu/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-volek-b3944092 Dr. Stephan D. Phinney https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phinney-631467/ Dr. Dom D’Agastino https://secure.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/ Resources Mentioned: National Osteoporosis Foundation study on protein and skeletal health - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28404575/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    22 min

  6. APR 29

    Can Coconut Oil Help Brain Function in Dementia?

    Can something as simple as coconut oil support brain health in dementia? In this video, Dr. Bret Scher explores an emerging area of research focused on brain energy metabolism and how ketones may play a role in supporting cognitive function in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. As the brain’s ability to use glucose declines in Alzheimer’s, researchers have begun investigating whether ketones can help fill that energy gap. In this video, you’ll learn: Why the brain may experience an energy deficit in Alzheimer’s diseaseHow ketones provide an “alternative” fuel for the brainThe role of coconut oil and MCTs in raising ketone levelsInsights from Dr. Mary Newport’s early observations and case reportsResearch from Dr. Stephen Cunnane on brain energy metabolismWhat current studies suggest about ketogenic therapies and cognitive functionCommon concerns about saturated fat and coconut oil Dr. Scher also discusses the limitations of the current evidence. While early findings are promising, much of the research is still in its early stages, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed. At the same time, for individuals and families facing cognitive decline, low-risk lifestyle approaches like ketogenic strategies may be worth exploring under medical guidance. 💡 To learn more about metabolic approaches to brain and mental health, visit metabolicmind.org 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #AlzheimersDisease #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/podcasts/metabolic-mind-podcast/hundreds-report-dementia-improvement-with-ketones-dr-mary-newports-report/https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/podcasts/metabolic-mind-podcast/keto-and-mct-for-alzheimers-one-doctors-family-journey/https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/podcasts/metabolic-mind-podcast/how-ketones-support-the-aging-brain-psychiatric-meds-disrupt-brain-energy-dr-stephen-cunnane/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    6 min

  7. APR 27

    Exogenous Ketones Explained (What They Really Do)

    Exogenous ketones have exploded in popularity, with claims ranging from better brain function to improved performance and weight loss. But what does the science actually say? In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with leading ketone researcher Dr. Dominic D'Agostino to break down the reality behind exogenous ketones—what they are, how they work, and where they may (or may not) fit into your health strategy. They explore the key differences between: Endogenous ketones (produced by your body through diet or fasting)Exogenous ketones (supplements you consume) And why that distinction matters for both metabolic and brain health. This conversation covers: The different types of exogenous ketones (salts, esters, those derived from MCTs)Potential benefits for brain energy, seizures, and metabolic healthSafety considerations and why formulation mattersWhy exogenous ketones are best viewed as a tool, not a replacement for a ketogenic dietThe concept of a “sweet spot” for ketone levels in different conditions One of the biggest takeaways: context is everything. Exogenous ketones may offer the most benefit when used to support a well-formulated metabolic approach, rather than as a standalone shortcut. Dr. D’Agostino also shares insights from decades of research, including work with the Department of Defense, and discusses where the science is headed, especially in areas like neurological and psychiatric conditions. 👉 Learn more about the growing body of research on ketogenic therapy and mental health on our clinical trials page: metabolicmind.org/resources/science/clinical-trials/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #ExogenousKetones Expert Featured: Dr. Dom D’Agostino https://health.usf.edu/medicine/mpp/faculty/ddagostihttps://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://ketonutrition.org/ Resources Mentioned: Papers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23552496/ Additional resources https://ketonutrition.org/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field, including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher, with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    46 min

  8. APR 24

    Do GLP-1s Work for Depression—or Is It Metabolism?

    GLP-1 medications like semaglutide have been widely discussed as breakthrough treatments for weight loss and metabolic health. But a large new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry is shifting the conversation toward something deeper: the connection between metabolic health and mental health. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the research actually shows, and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. The study analyzed health records from over 95,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and depression or anxiety. Those taking GLP-1 medications showed a lower risk of severe psychiatric outcomes, including hospitalization and self-harm, compared to other diabetes treatments. But here’s the nuance: This wasn’t an intervention trial, and it didn’t show that GLP-1s treat depression or lead to remission. Instead, it showed less worsening of mental health over time. This video explores: What “less worsening” really means in mental health researchWhy metabolic health and brain health are closely connectedThe limitations of large observational studiesHow GLP-1s might fit into a broader metabolic approach to mental healthThe emerging role of ketogenic therapy and other metabolic interventions 👉 To learn more about responsible use and clinical considerations for GLP-1 medications, explore the Coalition for Metabolic Health’s policy brief on GLP-1s. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #CoalitionForMetabolicHealth #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Coalition for Metabolic Health’s policy brief on GLP-1s Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt 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.

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.

Information

  • Creator
    Bret Scher
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bret Scher, MD FACC
  • Show Website
    Metabolic Mind

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