69: Ben Azadi: Why Women Over 40 Struggle to Lose Belly Fat

If you have been eating well, moving your body, doing what you were told, and your belly fat still will not budge, this episode is going to explain why. So many women hit their 40s and suddenly feel like their body changed the rules. The same foods, workouts, and routines that used to work no longer feel like enough, and the advice to eat less or work harder only leaves them more frustrated. Today, we are getting into what is really happening behind stubborn midlife weight gain, especially when inflammation, insulin resistance, cortisol, poor sleep, cravings, and stress are all sending the body a signal to hold onto fat. This conversation challenges the idea that weight loss is only about calories and looks at why the body may be protecting itself, storing visceral fat, and staying stuck in sugar-burning mode. I'm joined by Ben Azadi, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, bestselling author, and metabolic health educator who lost 80 pounds, reversed his own metabolic dysfunction, and has helped thousands of people improve their metabolic health. We talk about how ketosis, fasting, diet variation, and Keto Flex can be used as tools to rebuild metabolic flexibility, without forcing your body into another rigid plan that works against your hormones. What's Discussed: 02:02 Why stress, cortisol, and survival signals can make the body hold onto belly fat. 07:03 The difference between helpful inflammation and chronic inflammation that blocks fat loss. 10:10 How inflammation can interfere with progesterone, hormone receptors, and symptom relief. 16:02 Why food noise, cravings, and constant snacking may be signs of sugar-burning metabolism. 23:38 The biggest keto myths, including fat quality, gallbladder concerns, and long-term ketosis. 31:09 How to start shifting from sugar-burning to fat-burning without shocking your body. 38:38 When fasting helps, when it backfires, and why timing matters for women. ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: drcarriejones.com/myths Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: drcarriejones.com/hormones101   The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: drcarriejones.com/labs The 101 on Stress, Cortisol And Your Nervous System Ebook: drcarriejones.com/stressfreebie   Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: drcarriejones.com/stages   Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: drcarriejones.com Newsletter: drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejones Facebook: @drcarriejones TikTok: @drcarriejones YouTube: @drcarriejones Pinterest: @drcarriejones   Find out more from Ben Azadi:  Website: benazadi.com Instagram: @thebenazadi  Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.