Exhausted, Gaining Weight, and Feeling Off? THIS Is What’s Happening
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen
You’re eating healthy. You’re working out. You’ve cut sugar, carbs, and wine. But the belly fat is still there and no one is giving you answers. This episode connects all the dots.
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, joins Tamsen to explain exactly what’s happening inside your body during midlife and what you can finally do to feel better in it. Hormones. Insulin. Thyroid. Stress. Sleep. It’s all part of the story, and Dr. Rocio gives women the real talk they’re not getting in most doctors’ offices.
This is the episode that clears the confusion and gives you the clarity you’ve been craving.
They talk about:
-Why fat accumulates around the belly in perimenopause and how to reverse it
-The exact lab markers to request to check for insulin resistance and early prediabetes
-How to know if your thyroid is working against you, even with “normal” results
-What visceral fat is, why it's so dangerous, and the proven ways to reduce it
-How stress, poor sleep, and cortisol spikes make weight loss nearly impossible and how to fix it
-What to eat (and when) to balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation
-How to advocate for better care if your doctor won’t dig deeper
02:07 - Why Dr. Rocio Dedicated Her Life to Women’s Health07:00 The Real Reason Belly Fat Shows Up in Midlife
12:42 - Tamsen Finds Out She’s Pre-Diabetic—Here’s Why
13:29 - What Hashimoto’s Is and Why It Shows Up in Midlife
15:09 - The Dangerous Difference Between Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat
16:56 - Two Proven Ways to Reduce Midlife Fat Without Medication
20:30 - Why Fasting Doesn’t Work for Women in Perimenopause
23:04 - The Medications Changing the Game for Midlife Weight Loss
24:55 - How Stress, Sleep, and Cortisol Affect Midlife Weight
27:36 - Why Your Thyroid Probably Isn’t the Problem
29:34 - The Truth About Gluten and Dairy
30:37 - The #1 Test Every Woman in Midlife Should Ask For
33:17 - Do You Really Need Cardio to Lose Belly Fat?
34:46 - Rapid Fire True or False
Watch the Full Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TamsenFadalTV
Get my new book, How To Menopause, Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before 💖 http://www.howtomenopause.com
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
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I’m an Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, author, speaker, certified integrative nutrition coach, and passionate menopause advocate.
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