When low-carb isn’t enough: A Doctor’s Journey with GLP-1s

Psychiatric medications have become a standard of care for many mental illnesses. For some, these medications can be life-changing. For others, they may offer little relief, cause intolerable side effects, lose effectiveness over time, or even worsen symptoms.Regardless, many individuals eventually seek to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medication use—often without adequate support. Unfortunately, most clinicians receive limited training in how to guide patients through safe, personalized tapering protocols and the existing guidelines often fail to reflect real-world experiences.In part one of our new two-part series, Dr. Bret Scher and psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede delve into a critical yet under-discussed topic: how to taper psychiatric medications safely.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why people consider tapering (side effects, loss of benefit, life changes, etc.)Why safe psychiatric medication tapering is importantHow the brain adapts to meds (homeostasis) and how that impacts taper speedWhy personalization in medication management is importantHow to tell the difference between withdrawal and a true relapseHow to prepare: education, team support, and trusted resourcesAlmost everyone will need to adjust the dose of a medication at some point, even if only to try a different medication. Some will want to try to come off psychiatric meds entirely. It’s not a journey to take alone. Safe tapering is not a DIY process. We strongly encourage working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can help you personalize the approach, choosing the right pace, plan, and monitoring strategies to protect your health. In addition, we recommend resources below that can help.The goal isn’t simply to stop a medication, it’s to feel and function at your best. And the safest route is the one that’s tailored to you.📆 Stay tuned for episode 2 of our two-part series on psychiatric medication tapering—airing October 15.Expert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherX: https://x.com/bschermdDr. Georgia EdeWebsite: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/Book: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mindYouTube: ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬X: https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDIG: https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/Resources Mentioned:Medication Tapering HubComing Soon! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when new resources are available: https://www.metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelineshttps://a.co/d/5WWskZsCrossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off - and Staying Off - Psychiatric Drugshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/8797625906?Inner Compass Initiative<a...

Ketogenic therapy is a powerful tool for weight loss. But not everyone who cuts carbs is able to achieve their goal weight and metabolic health goals. Could GLP-1s offer the missing piece when low-carb and clean eating aren’t quite enough?In this episode of the Metabolic Mind Podcast, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Shannon Robinson, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, to explore this overlooked population who could benefit most from GLP-1s. Drawing from both her personal journey and clinical practice, Dr. Robinson highlights why lifestyle alone isn’t always enough, and how medications can sometimes be life-changing.In this conversation, you’ll learn:✅ Why GLP-1s may help patients already following strict low-carb or carnivore diets✅&nbsp;How keto (and GLP-1s) are beneficial for weight loss and addiction✅ The parallels between GLP-1s and addiction medicine✅ Real-world insights on side effects, dosing, and the impact of GLP-1s on muscle✅ Advice for people starting GLP-1 medications✅ Why controlling GLP-1 dose is importantFor many, food and lifestyle changes unlock better health. But when life’s stressors and personal biology create roadblocks, other tools may be able to help. As Dr. Robinson highlights, GLP-1s aren’t a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, but when strategically used in combination with lifestyle changes, they can be a key to success for many people.👉Interested in learning more about metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal mental health? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for the latest research, expert interviews, and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind.#MetabolicMind #GLP1 #KetogenicTherapyExpert Featured:Dr. Shannon Robinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-robinson-8aa3a4210/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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

Depression that doesn’t improve, or gets labeled as treatment resistant, can leave people feeling without options and hopeless. But what if there was another way forward?In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Silvia J. Covelli, founder and CEO of the Healing Depression Project, and Dr. Achina Stein, a board-certified psychiatrist and functional medicine physician. Together, they share how personal journeys and clinical insights converged to create a groundbreaking program that addresses depression at its root.You’ll hear Silvia’s story of living with depression for 25+ years before finding lasting relief through holistic lifestyle changes. And Dr. Stein explains how her own family’s health crisis led her to functional psychiatry.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How functional psychiatry focuses on metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle drivers of mental health.What happens inside the Healing Depression Project retreats (labs, ketogenic therapy, , and community support).Why addressing lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and movement can lead to depression remission, not just symptom management.How the Healing Depression Project is setting a new framework for what treating treatment resistant depression can look like.By combining functional psychiatry, metabolic therapies, and a compassionate community, this program is showing what metabolic psychiatry is all about: mental illness doesn’t always have to be a lifelong sentence.👉&nbsp;Healing Depression Project is now accepting applications for their next retreat.&nbsp;Visit https://www.healingdepressionproject.com/ to learn more!Expert Featured:Silvia J. Covellihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-j-covelli-6709b0275/Dr. Achina SteinWebsite: https://fxnmind.com/dr-achina-stein/https://www.instagram.com/dr.achinastein/?hl=enResources Mentioned:Healing Depression Projecthttps://www.healingdepressionproject.com/Book: What If It’s Not Depression? Your Guide To Finding Answers and Solutionshttps://www.amazon.com/What-Its-NOT-Depression-Solutions/dp/B0BD4S9TDFFree 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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including

Ketogenic therapy for mental illness is gaining attention, with more and more patients looking to incorporate this strategy into their care plan.The problem is that sometimes patients struggle to find providers to help them and providers often lack the expertise and confidence to prescribe this strategy.These issues led to a light bulb moment for Dr. Kelly, “We’ve got to capacity build, we have to figure this out.”In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Deanna Kelly, PharmD, internationally recognized for her work in schizophrenia, psychiatric pharmacology, and metabolic health, who is now pioneering an innovative project of her own called Live it, Launch it.This first-of-its-kind study is Dr. Kelly’s brainchild, designed to train clinicians through direct experience in an effort to increase clinical expertise in metabolic and ketogenic therapies. Participants don’t just learn the science, they actually live a ketogenic diet themselves, gaining confidence, competence, and practical insight to better guide patients struggling with psychiatric disorders.In this interview, you’ll discover:Why so many families are searching for trained ketogenic therapy cliniciansWhy personal experience may be the missing link in clinical adoptionThe potential widespread clinical impact of Live it, Launch it.The potential of ketogenic therapy alongside medications like GLP-1sAn update on Dr. Kelly’s in-patient ketogenic therapy for schizophrenia studyBy training clinicians to live it before they launch it, this study could change how psychiatric care is delivered, and help meet the growing demand for clinical guidance in ketogenic therapy.Expert Featured:Dr. Deanna KellyDirector of the Maryland Psychiatric Research CenterX: https://x.com/profdeannakResources Mentioned:Why Did the Maryland Health Department Halt a Critical Schizophrenia Study?https://youtu.be/tzPlQ6dJwe8Stanford Study Shows Promise of Ketohttps://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured/stanford-study-shows-promise-of-keto/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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

Dr. Ryan Patel, senior staff psychiatrist at The Ohio State University, shares a practical, evidence-based roadmap for helping young adults thrive during the most turbulent years of brain and behavior development.Across this deep dive, Dr. Patel explains why 18–24-year-olds are a distinct clinical population and how day-to-day habits can make or break academic performance, quality of life, and long-term health. He also discusses his work on the KIND Trial (Ketogenic Intervention in Depression) and how those results can help to inform care.In this conversation, Dr. Patel shares:Why college students require a different clinical lensAn overview of his five high-impact interventions: sleep, nutrient-dense nutrition, physical activity, mindful tech use, and stress managementHow lifestyle factors drive anxiety, depression, and dropout risk (and how to reverse course)Practical ways campuses and clinicians can scale preventionInsights from the KIND Trial: feasibility of ketosis in students and notable mood improvementsWhen and how to consider ketogenic therapy alongside standard care for depression👍 To learn more about metabolic health and mental well-being, subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more research, stories, and emerging evidence.👉For more information on the KIND study, checkout our blog: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/kind-osu-keto-depression-study/👉Check out the Youth Mental Health Hub for even more information and resources: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/youth-mental-health/Expert Featured:Dr. Ryan PatelBlog: https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/Resources Mentioned:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8Free 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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

Are there new treatment options for college students living with depression?Mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate among young people—and college campuses are feeling the impact. Nearly half of students report depressive symptoms, and conventional treatments aren’t enough for many of them.But what if just changing what you eat could offer new hope?A recent pilot study out of The Ohio State University found that a ketogenic diet led to rapid and clinically significant improvements in depression symptoms among college students—with a 37% average reduction in depression scores in just two weeks, increasing to a 71% increase at 12 weeks.In this conversation, lead study investigator Drew Decker sits down with Drs. Georgia Ede and Bret Scher to discuss how his group was able to help 100% of completing participants experience clinically significant improvements in depression and the real-world feasibility of implementing ketogenic therapy in student populations.In this episode you’ll hear about:The current state of mental health on college campusesThe factors contributing to the decline in youth mental healthThe potential of ketogenic therapy for major depressive disorderHow OSU students were able to stay in ketosis 73% of the timeWhat colleges can do to better support mental wellness through nutritionStudents are searching for better options and they deserve more than just symptom management. They deserve access to therapies that could improve their quality of life and transform their futures.To learn more about the KIND study, check out our other content:Mini-Documentary: https://youtu.be/RZYjV9bo0SIDr. Volek &amp; Decker Interview: https://youtu.be/kN0kHPVM3lwBlog Post: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/Experts Featured:Drew Decker, OSU researcherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew_d_decker/Dr. Georgia Ede, MDWebsite: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/Book: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mindYouTube: ‪@GeorgiaEdeMD‬X: https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMDIG: https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/Resources Mentionedhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8Free 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...

A groundbreaking study from The Ohio State University shows that ketogenic therapy may dramatically reduce symptoms of major depression in college students.In this interview, study research leads Dr. Jeff Volek and Drew Decker break down the results:100% of participants responded69-71% improvements in depression scoresImprovements in cognitive performance, body composition, and metabolic healthNo relapsesDr. Volek has decades of experience conducting research on ketogenic therapy. The Volek Low Carbohydrate Laboratory is one of the best in the game at conducting quality ketogenic science. In this interview Dr. Volek and Drew also cover:The feasibility of ketogenic therapy in college studentsHow student participants were supportedWhat the next steps are for researchAs evidence for metabolic psychiatry increases, let’s not forget ketogenic therapy’s roots in pediatric epilepsy. We know a ketogenic diet can be beneficial to our youth and we need more research like this to help pave the way for better youth mental health outcomes.📺 Watch now to hear how ketogenic therapy may become a new path to hope for young people struggling with depression.Want to learn more about this study? Check out our blog post: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/#MentalHealth #KetogenicDiet #MetabolicPsychiatry #DepressionTreatment #NutritionScience #CollegeHealth #DrJeffVolek #MetabolicMindExpert Featured:Dr. Jeff VolekWebsite: https://lowcarb.osu.edu/Drew DeckerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew_d_decker/Resources Mentioned:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8Free 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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

Are ultra-processed foods really the villain, or is the story more complicated? In this lively, no-nonsense conversation, endocrinologist Dr. David Ludwig (of Harvard and Boston Children’s Hospital) and journalist Gary Taubes unpack why “UPF” is an enticing label but a blunt tool for science, policy, and everyday guidance.They cover:Why defining “ultra-processed” is messy, and how lumping diverse packaged foods into one bucket can mislead.How high-profile trials are interpreted (and misinterpreted), from short study durations to dropout bias and carryover effects.The role of bias and confirmation bias in nutrition research and media narratives.Where the debate should go next: moving beyond slogans toward mechanisms like how carbohydrate processing affects blood sugar and insulin.What to do in the meantime: clearer study design, healthier discourse, and pragmatic takeaways people can use now.In this conversation, you’ll hear sharp disagreements, candid critiques, and concrete suggestions for doing better science. Plus a spirited back-and-forth on what “good evidence” should look like and how individuals, clinicians, and policymakers can each act on different standards of proof.What’s at stake isn’t academic nitpicking; it’s policy decisions, headlines, and, ultimately, what lands on your plate.👉 Stay for the debate, and subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more conversations at the intersection of metabolism and mental health.Expert Featured:Dr. David LudwigX: https://x.com/davidludwigmdDr. Ludwig's UPF Study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2508694Gary Taubeshttps://x.com/garytaubeshttps://uncertaintyprinciples.substack.com/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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

What happens when someone living in and out of homelessness, battling schizophrenia, and cycling through hospitals and medications discovers ketogenic therapy?In this powerful interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with registered nutritional therapist Moira Newiss about one of the most remarkable published case reports to date.Despite overwhelming socioeconomic challenges, including periods of living in shelters and cooking on nothing more than a hot plate, this individual achieved sustained ketosis on a simple, affordable carnivore-based ketogenic diet.The result? His schizophrenia and psychosis went into remission.In the interview, Moira shares:The details of his journey from homelessness and hospitalization to stabilityThe simple, affordable foods he used to stay in ketosisThe barriers he faced, from relapse cycles to limited resourcesWhy this case matters for clinicians, researchers, and anyone seeking hope in the face of serious mental illnessThis case is more than a single success story, it challenges assumptions about what’s possible with nutrition, even under the hardest circumstances. For someone who had been deeply embedded in psychiatric care in the UK and not improving on conventional treatment, ketogenic therapy offered a turning point.👉Want to learn more about the impact of ketogenic therapy on mental health? Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more research, stories, and emerging evidence.Expert Featured:Moira Newisshttps://www.moiranewiss.co.uk/https://x.com/moira_newisshttps://www.facebook.com/thebrainenergyrebootexperthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/moira-newiss/https://www.instagram.com/moiranewiss/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&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow 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...

Could tackling visceral fat be the key to finally reversing the chronic disease crisis?Unlike the fat you see on your waistline, visceral fat hides deep inside your body, wrapping around organs like your liver, pancreas, and even your heart. And far from being inert, this fat acts like an inflammatory organ, fueling disease, undermining your immune system, and raising the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart attacks.In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Sean O’Mara, a physician with an extraordinary background (from undercover narcotics agent to Army ER doctor) who has spent over a decade studying visceral fat.Dr. O’Mara explains:🐍 Why visceral fat is the true “head of the snake” driving chronic disease🧪 How to detect it (and why most doctors ignore it)💪 The surprising lifestyle interventions that can shrink it (fast).⚠️Why visceral fat may be the single most dangerous and overlooked threat to your healthIt may fly under the radar, but visceral fat isn’t beyond reach. With the right tools and lifestyle changes, we can take back control of our health—and rewrite the future of chronic disease.Expert Featured:Dr. Sean O’MaraWebsite: https://drseanomara.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drseanomara/X: https://x.com/DrSeanOMaraFollow 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.