266. The Cortisol Connection: How Stress Impacts Weight Loss
Genetic Testing and Stress: A New Approach to Weight Loss
In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky delves into the intricate relationship between cortisol and weight loss. As an obesity medicine doctor, she teaches about cortisol, a stress hormone, in a way that anyone can understand - and how this important chemical can significantly impact weight loss efforts.
Listeners will walk away with a new understanding of how to stop battling their biology, reconnect with their bodies, and embrace a compassionate, personalized approach to long-term health.
1. The Stress-Weight Loss Disconnect
How cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — impacts fat retention, appetite, insulin resistance, and even skeletal muscle loss.
Why traditional advice (eat less, move more) often fails under chronic stress conditions.
2. Cortisol’s Five-Fold Impact on Fat Loss
Enhances fat storage via lipoprotein lipase.
Raises blood sugar through gluconeogenesis.
Promotes insulin resistance, sabotaging metabolism.
Stimulates cravings for sugary, fatty foods.
Depletes muscle mass — especially under high-exertion training paired with emotional stress.
3. How Stress Alters Appetite & Motivation
The biological basis behind binge-eating urges and low exercise motivation during stress.
How stress-related sleep disruption increases ghrelin (hunger) and suppresses leptin (satiety).
4. The Power of Genetics and Personalization
Why Dr. Novitsky utilizes genetic testing (e.g., Genomind) to identify cortisol-related SNPs and tailor strategies accordingly.
Insight into Dr. Novitsky’s own cortisol sensitivity and how it shaped her evolution.
5. Mind-Body Fitness: A Holistic Training Philosophy
How Dr. Ali moved from calorie-obsessed fitness to personalized, neuroscience-driven strength training.
Why “less is more” when it comes to training under chronic stress and how to work with your nervous system, not against it.
Examples of muscle-preserving success — even among clients on GLP-1 medications like her 70-year-old mother-in-law.
6. Transformational Coaching & Community
A behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Ali’s Transform® program; not just a fitness plan, but a full-body reset grounded in self-compassion and personal truth.
Why clients return not for new content, but for the safe, sustaining sisterhood and the life-changing mental shifts.
Listen to Episode 266 Here
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Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction and Eye Appointment
00:01:09 - Cortisol Connection with Weight Loss
00:02:45 - Genetic Testing and Cortisol Response
00:04:10 - Typical Case Scenario
00:05:37 - Understanding Cortisol's Impact
00:08:06 - Cortisol and Blood Sugar Levels
00:09:32 - Cortisol's Effect on Appetite
00:10:48 - Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss
00:12:57 - The Sleep-Cortisol Relationship
00:14:40 - Strategies for Managing Stress
00:17:11 - Conclusion and Program Offerings
Resources:
The Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! Enroll TODAY.
The Total Fitness Program combines Core & Floor, Muscles & Mindset, Advanced Strength Training, Yoga, and Meditation to give you the ultimate mind and body fitness experience over 12 months. Enroll HERE.
The FIT Collective® is an Affiliate with InBody, USA and Canadian divisions. Click HERE to receive a 15% discount off the H20 and H30 models. Please note, we do receive a small referral commission.
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*Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*
