Episode 196: Charlotte Schön Poulsen (GLP-1s)

In this insightful episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome Charlotte Schön Poulsen, an expert in biomedical science and addiction, to discuss the fascinating world of GLP-1 medications, specifically Semaglutide, and their effects on cravings for ultra-processed foods. Charlotte's recent graduate thesis explores the impact of Semaglutide on cravings, and she shares the highlights of her research, the role of GLP-1s in food addiction, and what this means for those struggling with ultra-processed food cravings.

Charlotte brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at the LevaSockerfri Treatment Center and her establishment of Know Addiction Academy in 2022. She is also a published author on sugar addiction and low-carbohydrate psychoeducational programs. In this episode, she provides a scientific yet accessible breakdown of the biochemical and psychological factors that drive cravings and how medications like Semaglutide may offer short-term relief but with potential long-term consequences.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Charlotte’s Journey: From IT Engineer to Addiction Expert.
• Semaglutide and Cravings: The basis of Charlotte's research and how semaglutide impacts cravings, especially for ultra-processed foods.
• Cravings for Sweet vs. Savory: Why semaglutide may reduce cravings for savory foods but shows minimal long-term effect on sweet cravings.
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects: The limitations of GLP-1 medications in providing lasting relief from cravings.
• Biochemical Orchestra of Cravings: Charlotte's analogy of the brain as an orchestra of hormones, each playing a role in regulating cravings.
• Holistic Approaches: Why medications alone are not the answer for food addicts and how a holistic, personalized treatment plan is crucial.
• The Role of GLP-1 in Addiction Interaction Disorder: Insights into how semaglutide could be used in addiction recovery and the caution needed when integrating it into treatment plans.

Resources Mentioned:

• Charlotte's Thesis: https://lnu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1887815&dswid=5507
• Charlotte’s article (co-authored with Molly Painschab): "A Low-Carbohydrate and Psychoeducational Program Shows Promise for the Treatment of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction"
• Books by Charlotte Schön Poulsen (available in Swedish):
• Learn to Live Sugar-Free, Self-Help Book for Sugar Addiction (in Swedish)
• Cookbook – tasty recipes, sugar-free, gluten-free (in Swedish)
• Know Addiction Academy – Educating the next generation of addiction therapists (in Swedish)

How to Connect with Charlotte Schön Poulsen:

Website: https://levasockerfri.se/en/home/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/levasockerfri/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/172726966715731

Linked-in: www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-schön-poulsen-aa874a6

 

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