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Could GLP-1s Help Treat Bulimia and Binge Eating?

Could GLP-1s Help Treat Bulimia and Binge Eating?

Published 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Description

Could GLP-1 medications play a role in treating bulimia or binge eating disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Paige Gordon and psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lutter about Paige’s personal experience using a GLP-1 medication for treatment-resistant bulimia, and why researchers are beginning to explore the neurobiology of binge eating.

Paige shares how years of therapy and medication never quieted the overwhelming binge urges that drove her bulimia. After hearing someone describe their experience on a podcast, she began exploring GLP-1 medication and saw a profound change in her urges and eating patterns. Dr. Lutter adds the scientific context, including genetic findings that may help explain why some people with binge eating or bulimia respond strongly to GLP-1 medications.

They cover:

  • How Paige’s bulimia began and why standard treatments didn’t fully help
  • What “food noise” felt like in her lived experience
  • Why GLP-1 medications may affect appetite, reward pathways, and binge urges
  • How genetics may help identify who responds to GLP-1s
  • Why eating disorder treatment needs more precision-focused research
  • The risks of using GLP-1 medications in people with restrictive eating disorders
  • Why stigma keeps many people from discussing this treatment openly

This conversation explores an emerging area of eating disorder research with hope, caution, and a clear need for larger clinical trials.

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Expert Featured:

Paige Gordon


Dr. Michael Lutter


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