The Metabolic Classroom

Currently Playing: 88: How ADHD Medications Affect Fat Burning, Insulin & Brain Health with Dr. Ben Bikman

📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind: https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind In this week’s episode of the Metabolic Classroom lectures, Dr. Ben Bikman explores the metabolic impact of ADHD medications and whether ADHD itself has metabolic roots. Ben explains how stimulant medications (like Adderall and Ritalin) primarily work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing focus but also suppressing appetite and stimulating fat breakdown. This can lead to weight loss but may also contribute to binge eating episodes when the medication wears off. Non-stimulant ADHD medications (like Atomoxetine and Guanfacine) affect metabolism in different ways—some subtly improve insulin sensitivity, while others reduce fat breakdown, potentially leading to weight gain. Beyond medication, Dr. Bikman discusses ADHD as a possible metabolic disorder. Studies show that individuals with ADHD often have reduced glucose metabolism in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for attention and impulse control. He highlights research linking chronic sugar consumption to dopamine imbalances and brain energy instability, suggesting that modern dietary habits may be worsening ADHD symptoms. One potential solution? Ketones as an alternative brain fuel. Dr. Bikman shares research on the ketogenic diet as a therapy for ADHD, similar to its use in epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. By shifting the brain’s energy source from glucose to ketones, individuals may experience more stable brain function and improved focus. He concludes that ADHD may not just be a neurological condition—it could also be a metabolic issue, and targeting brain metabolism may offer new treatment possibilities. Show Notes/References: For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, 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 with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom 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 about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com (Auto-Translate Note: You can click the gear icon at the bottom of this video to auto-translate captions. For example, to translate into Polish, select Subtitles, choose Auto-Translate, then first choose English, then choose Auto-Translate again, then choose Polish.) #ADHD #MetabolicHealth #BrainMetabolism #ADHDTreatment #DrBenBikman #ADHDMedication #Dopamine #FatBurning #InsulinResistance #KetogenicDiet #LowCarbForADHD #FocusAndAttention #CognitiveHealth #SugarAndADHD #Neurobiology #MentalHealth #ADHDResearch #ADHDScience #GlucoseMetabolism #MetabolicDisorder Timestamps (approximate): 00:00 - Introduction: ADHD and Metabolism 01:02 - How Common is ADHD? 02:13 - ADHD Medications: Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants 03:38 - How Stimulant Medications Affect Metabolism 06:01 - Appetite Suppression and Growth Concerns 07:17 - Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications and Their Metabolic Effects 10:58 - Direct Effects of ADHD Medications on Fat Cells 15:09 - The Impact of ADHD Medications on the Liver 18:35 - Is ADHD a Metabolic Disorder? 19:51 - The Role of Glucose Metabolism in ADHD Symptoms 22:14 - Does Sugar Make ADHD Worse? The Dopamine Link 23:33 - How Ketones Might Help ADHD Symptoms 26:53 - Final Thoughts: Can Targeting Metabolism Improve ADHD? Ben’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884 Ben’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) Other products Ben likes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/benbikmanphd Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com