Bitesize Biohack: Accidentally Overweight - Stress, Hormones & Metabolism with Dr Libby Weaver

Angela talks to Dr Libby Weaver, about how her own beliefs about calorie restriction and intense exercise were challenged when she observed that some individuals were not losing body fat despite their efforts. This realisation led her to delve into the factors that influence the body's ability to burn or store fat. She highlights the role of the nervous system and stress hormones in this process, explaining how constantly elevated levels of adrenaline can impact digestion, fuel utilisation, and cravings for sweet foods KEY TAKEAWAYS The calorie equation is not the sole factor influencing body shape and size. Many people who restrict calories do not see significant changes in body fat or weight loss. The belief that intense exercise is necessary to maintain or achieve a certain body shape is ingrained in society, particularly among women. This mindset can lead to unhealthy habits and unrealistic expectations. Constantly elevated levels of adrenaline, primarily caused by caffeine and psychological stress, can have negative effects on the body. It can lead to compromised digestion, increased desire for sweet foods, and a shift in the body's preferred fuel source from fat to glucose. The stress response has three stages, with the first stage characterized by elevated adrenaline. This stage prepares the body for fight or flight and can create inflammatory compounds. BEST MOMENTS "We were taught that the calorie equation was the only thing that influenced body shape and size." "I ran like that because it was so ingrained in me, in my education that you had to exercise intensely to maintain the way that you are to basically be able to eat." "We really are the first generation of people to have constantly, relentlessly elevated levels of adrenaline and it changes our chemistry." "So many people start their biochemistry being told that glucose is their most effective fuel and they gradually start to lose the ability to use their body fat as fuel." VALUABLE RESOURCES Get a free snapshot of your health and personalised report at www.yourtotalhealthcheck.com Join The High Performance Health CommunityFree Fasting Guide - www.angelafosterperformance.com/fastingPodcast Shownotes - www.angelafosterperformance.com/podcasts Episode 105 - https://omny.fm/shows/high-performance-health/105-hph ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. Angela’s BioSyncing®️ Blueprint is currently closed. Click here to get on the waitlist. The High Performance Health Podcast is a top rated global podcast. Each week, Angela brings you a new insight, biohack or high performance habit to help you unlock optimal health, longevity and higher performance. Hit the follow button to make sure you get notified each time Angela releases a new episode. CONTACT DETAILS Instagram Facebook LinkedIn