Are you gaining weight in midlife even though you haven’t changed how you eat or exercise? Do you feel like your body suddenly stopped responding to all the things that used to work?

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by Kate Willis NP-C to unpack why weight loss in perimenopause and menopause is far more complex than calories alone. Together, they explain how understanding hormones, metabolism, and inflammation can help women create sustainable, realistic progress instead of constant frustration.

🌸 Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause change body composition, increasing fat gain while reducing lean muscle.
🌸 Declining estrogen can worsen insulin resistance, making weight gain more likely even without lifestyle changes.
🌸 Gut health and fiber intake play a major role in appetite control, inflammation, and blood sugar balance.
🌸 Strength training and adequate protein are essential to protect muscle and metabolic health during midlife.
🌸 Chronic stress, poor sleep, and elevated cortisol can stall weight loss despite “doing everything right.”
🌸 GLP-1 medications and hormone therapy are tools—not shortcuts—and work best when layered onto strong lifestyle habits.

If you’re a midlife woman feeling confused, blamed, or stuck, this episode offers validation, clarity, and science-backed guidance to help you move forward with confidence and compassion.

📘 Try our 10-minute new patient intro course: https://hormonewellnessmdacademy.teachable.com/p/are-we-a-good-fit-new-patient-welcome-course

🩺 Looking for Personalized Hormone Care in North Carolina or Alabama?
Hormone Wellness MD provides expert, evidence-based hormone care for women across North Carolina and Alabama. We care for patients in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, and Birmingham.

If you’re ready for expert care rooted in evidence and empathy, we’d love to support you.

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com
Email: info@hormonewellnessmd.com
Call: (919) 364-3430

📲 Follow Hormone Wellness MD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd
Podcast: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast