The Hunger Reflex
Andrew discusses the hardwired circuit in our brain that regulates hunger and satiety, paying attention to food availability and social context. Dr. Halpern explains the primitive reflex that drives us to ingest as much food as possible, leading to binge-eating disorders.In this clip
From this podcast
Huberman Lab
Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders - Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging | Huberman Lab Podcast #36
Related Questions
I’ve struggled with binge eating for a long time, and I’m trying to understand the biology behind it — not just from a willpower or emotional regulation standpoint, but from the deeper neurological mechanisms. In the Huberman Lab episode featuring Dr. Casey Halpern, he talks about the nucleus accumbens and its role in compulsive behavior. What exactly is happening in my brain when I binge — especially in relation to this brain region? Is it an issue of dopamine or reward circuitry, or is it more about an inability to pause and reflect before acting on an urge? How does this compare to other compulsive behaviors like addiction or OCD?
Dr. Halpern mentions a new method of brain stimulation — what is that tool, and how does it work? Is it something currently available or still in research phases? Would it ever be appropriate or effective for someone like me who doesn’t respond to traditional therapy or medication?
If this is truly a disorder with a neurological basis, how do I begin to approach healing it without just blaming myself? Are there steps I can take to “rewire” these pathways — through mindfulness, behavioral therapy, medication, or even lifestyle changes? What has actually worked for people with similar compulsive tendencies?