How Food Choices Shape Memory, Cognition & Cravings | Dr. Scott Kanoski

About this video

Huberman talks with Dr. Scott Kanoski, whose lab studies hunger, memory, food craving and body-weight regulation. Kanoski describes animal models in which a high-sugar diet, or a broader junk-food diet, produced hippocampus-dependent memory deficits that persisted even after the diet changed, and he discusses a possible role for changes in gut bacteria. He explains GLP-1 in its natural form as a hormone secreted from the intestines around eating, with an additional source in the brainstem, and the episode goes on to discuss GLP drugs, hunger and cognition. Kanoski also argues that feeding is a complex decision, not a simple reflex, so higher-order systems such as the hippocampus, receiving signals via the vagus nerve and circulating hormones, work alongside the hypothalamus, which Huberman frames as containing basic find-food and stop-eating switches.

Key takeaways

• Dr. Kanoski describes hippocampus-dependent memory deficits in animals fed high-sugar or junk-food diets that persisted after the diet changed.
• Dr. Kanoski explains that GLP-1 is secreted from the intestines around eating and is also produced in the brainstem.
• Kanoski argues that feeding is a complex decision involving the hippocampus as well as the hypothalamus and brainstem.
• Kanoski describes the hippocampus as receiving both vagus-nerve signals and longer-term hormone signals about energy status.
• Huberman frames poor nutrient balance as a threat to the memory system, linking nutrition, blood sugar and cognition in the discussion.

Episode details: published October 12, 2026 · 205.4K views · 2:02:07 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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