Episode 287: Dr. Jason Fung | Is Fasting Safe for the Food Addict?

In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with world-renowned nephrologist, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jason Fung to explore one of the most pressing questions in the food addiction community: Is fasting safe for the food addict? Dr. Fung's latest book, The Hunger Code: Resetting Your Body's Fat Thermostat in the Age of Ultra-Processed Food, challenges the calorie-centric model of obesity and offers a deeper, more honest look at why we eat the way we do — and what it actually takes to change. In this episode, you'll hear: Why the calories in/calories out model fails — and what the hormonal model of obesity actually means The three types of hunger driving overeating: homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned hunger — and why the social and emotional components may account for 90% of our eating behavior How ultra-processed foods are engineered to hijack the brain's reward system — and why that matters for food addicts The difference between fasting and starvation — and why the mindset behind fasting changes everything The dangers of using fasting as a punishment after a binge — and how to use it safely and intentionally instead Why a low-carb, higher-fat diet makes fasting more sustainable for people coming out of binge cycles Dr. Fung's honest take on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic — the benefits, the limitations, and why they're not the whole answer What Japan and Italy get right about eating culture that the U.S. has lost Why public policy — not just personal willpower — must be part of the solution to ultra-processed food addiction   About Dr. Jason Fung: Dr. Jason Fung is a Toronto-based nephrologist and one of the world's leading experts on therapeutic fasting and low-carb nutrition. He is the bestselling author of The Obesity Code, The Diabetes Code, The Cancer Code, and his newest release, The Hunger Code. He is also the co-founder of The Fasting Method, a coaching program helping people reverse obesity and type 2 diabetes through hormonal and lifestyle approaches. 🔗 Learn more at thefastingmethod.com The Food Junkies Podcast is hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Molly Painschab, and Clarissa Kennedy — dedicated to exploring the science, stories, and solutions behind ultra-processed food use disorder. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts. ✉️ Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 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.