266: The Cortisol Connection: How Stress Impacts Weight Loss

Genetic Testing and Stress: A New Approach to Weight Loss Episode Summary: 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. ⏱️ Timestamps: 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 🎯 Ready to Personalize Your Health? Work with Dr. Ali • Beginner Strength Training Program – 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Total Fitness Program – A 12-month mind-body experience. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • The Fit Collective® x InBody USA/Canada – Get 15% off select models. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click HERE⁠