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

Food Junkies Podcast

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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We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into GLP-1 medications and cravings with Charlotte Schön Poulsen. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Food Junkies Podcast for more discussions on food addiction and recovery.

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.