Is there a link between overeating and psychedelics? Oxford University researchers suspect that is the case. Research seems to suggest that mind-altering drugs could help the brain make new connections. Below we dive into this matter and explain what is known about it.
This blog is intended as a source of information; it is not medical advice. If you struggle with obesity or an eating addiction, seek help from a doctor or therapist. We do not recommend getting started with psychedelics on your own.
Can obesity sometimes be related to addictive behavior?
Obesity is one of the most common health issues today, with people taking in more energy from food than they consume. This causes them to become overweight, which in turn causes even more health problems. It is a complicated problem involving several factors, such as metabolism and genetics.
But in some people, it’s not just medical factors, diet and exercise that affect their symptoms. Possibly behavioral factors also play a role. It seems that some people who overeat respond to food signals in a way very similar to how people who are addicted to drugs respond.
In a review published in the Journal of Eating Disorders on April 7, 2025, examines whether mind-altering drugs can do anything for people in whom obesity appears to be linked to addictive behaviors rather than other factors. Possibly, then, there is a link between overeating and psychedelics.
Research into possible link between overeating and psychedelics
Scientists Dhanush Ammineni and Rebecca Park discovered that in these people, the reward system in the brain is altered, making certain types of food incredibly difficult to resist. This can lead to overeating and also makes it very difficult for these people to adopt healthy habits.
The researchers’ idea is that by identifying people who score high on, say, the Yale Food Addiction Scale, treatments can be found that better fit their needs. While this research is important to our knowledge of nutrition and obesity, the researchers say it is also important to realize that no studies have yet been done on humans. Current findings are based on preclinical studies and research on addiction, and thus not specifically on obesity.
So what is the link between psychedelics and overeating? Mind-altering drugs such as LSD, psilocybin (from magic mushrooms and truffles) and ayahuasca are known for their powerful effects on the brain. They affect serotonin receptors as well as other receptors. These affect mood and feelings of reward. This is the reason psychedelics can potentially be supportive for people struggling with addictive behaviors.
Studies have been done on mind-altering drugs and alcohol abuse disorder, for example. This research was published on Jama Psychiatry on Aug. 22, 2024. This research by Bogenshutz, Ross and Bhatt seems to suggest that psychedelics can make cognitive behavioral therapy more effective and thus more successful, improving people’s ability to make changes in their lives, including long-term ones.
Animal models and early research indicate that psychedelics may contribute to cognitive flexibility. That means they could have a positive effect on the brain’s ability to adopt new ways of thinking. This could be of great importance in the treatment of overeating.
A theoretical model on overeating and psychedelics
Why is it that these mind-altering substancesn could possibly help with overeating? The scientists rely on the REBUS model, which stands for Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics. This theory assumes that under the influence of psychedelics, the brain can temporarily loosen its grip on rigid patterns. For example, you might look at a bag of chips without immediately feeling the urge to eat it empty. This allows therapy and other ways of thinking to change behavior.
The researchers assume that psychedelics increase the activity of neurons located deep in the brain, involved in forming expectations based on previous experiences. These cells are called pyramid cells. If it can be changed how these neurons behave, it could break the automatic loop of reward seeking through food. Because psychedelics promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to make new connections), these drugs can potentially support people in how they relate to food.
An in-depth look at the possible link between psychedelics and overeating
Possibly there are other benefits associated with psychedelics, benefits that have to do with our genes. These drugs can incite changes in gene expression, which affects how we manage stress, desires and energy. Thus, evidence has been found that mind-altering drugs increase markers of brain growth and synaptic plasticity by altering DNA methylation and acetylation of histones. These are two important mechanisms of epigenetic change.
This could possibly also help reverse certain changes that cause the reward system to be less adaptable. That way, people might be better able to sustain behavioral change.
What can we do with this for now?
So there does indeed seem to be a link between psychedelics and overeating. These studies seem promising in this area. But the researchers also indicate that these are still preliminary and that the results cannot be simply transferred to humans. In addition, therapy with mind-altering drugs is not without risk.
Psychedelics bring side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia and physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate and palpitations. People who already suffer from mental symptoms may suffer even more. Furthermore, none of these clinical trials were specifically focused on obesity. So certainly more was done in this area, including around safety and effectiveness. But there is a lot of interest and the work continues. Researchers hope that in the future, psychedelics could have a place alongside coaching and therapy.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. The studies discussed on psychedelics are experimental and not yet proven effective or safe for treating obesity or eating addiction. Use of psychedelics can carry risks, including serious psychological or physical side effects. We strongly advise against experimenting with psychedelics yourself without medical supervision. For concerns about obesity or eating behaviors, we recommend seeking professional help.
