Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders - Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging | Huberman Lab Essentials

I had a blind friend who was fully blind, who had anorexia . It’s not about “looks.” Thank you for bringing light to these crucial topics. I have known many to depart too early due to eating disorders. It is extremely dangerous and there are threads of it promoted all throughout western culture. Thank you. Doctors need more training on this topic.

Thank you for this episode. Having an eating disorder myself, I get triggered from time to time when I hear about fasting during your podcasts although I know quite a lot to tell that I am not eligible to do that. But thank you for reminding us that not everything is for everyone.

I am always grateful for Huberman’s free content. As someone who had severe anorexia for 10 years, then bulimia and now binge eating, I have some comments. Why do so many anorexics go on to develop binge eating and/or bulimia, if they are different neuronal pathways? Also, don’t believe any anorexic who tells you they lose their appetite. You are starving and enjoy the sensation of hunger. I have known many over the years and they use saying they are not hungry as an excuse to continue their behaviour.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew

This one really hit deep. The way he broke down the science behind eating disorders without making it feel clinical or cold... just wow. So much respect for how this was handled.

Thank you for shedding so much light onto these important health issues. I had anorexia from about 19-25. I almost died but thankfully was lucky enough to see the light and get help. I did it for my parents at first, or I told myself this. As I got better I realized I was just scared it was too late. My heart beat was scary slow. I dropped down to 79lbs at 5’9. I lost my period for ten years. Miiraculously it came back. I’m 38 now. 120-125 lbs, happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. Thank you thank you thank you for getting good, honest science, info out. People can beat these illnesses! 🙏🏻

Thank you, Dr. Huberman for keeping this topic alive. I am 57 years old and have toggled between anorexia, bulimia, "normal" and overweight since I was at least 12 years old.

Andrew you speak so well on Anorexia. So well that I’d guess you have direct personal experience with this illness, perhaps with a family member or friend. I know you are putting your strong support behind research into this terrible illness. I have a direct personal link as the father of a 30 yr old daughter who has suffered terribly for half her life. What she has endured mentally and physically is astonishing particularly due to the severity and duration of this suffering. Our family has supported her through the full range of treatment options available to us. Sometimes the treatments are unhelpful and this can be particularly difficult to witness. I think Anorexia must be one of the most difficult illnesses for a family to endure. I know you will stick with those who struggle with Anorexia and their families. Thank you Andrew.

Eating disorders are a major issue. The only thing that's overlooked is that each eating disorder can transform into another. So, someone with anorexia can transform into bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, and each of these can evolve into the other over time. So, sometimes it doesn't kill them, it just makes them worse.

I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in 1978 when I was 12. I was a sporty, popular but very anxious child. I had no particular body image concerns. I initially lost weight due to high levels of training for sports without a compensatory energy intake. But soon my drive to restrict food and to over-exercise became compulsive. This was not wilful behaviour; I was genuinely terrified of my intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. I nearly lost my life to the illness in my 30s and didn’t start to recover until my 40s. It’s been a hard slog, but now, age 60, I’m thankfully a lot better. The key to recovery is to learn how to eat well and to manage the associated distress.