116. Chronic Stress In Women…How It Hijacks Our Hormones And Our Weight Loss Goals (And What We Can Do About It!)

In today's episode of the SWLC Podcast, Lisa Oldson, MD opens up about an intensely personal period of acute stress, and uses that story to jump into the science behind chronic stress, hormonal shifts, and weight gain in women.

If you've ever wondered why it's harder to lose weight when you're overwhelmed, burned out, or constantly caring for everyone else first, this episode is your roadmap. Dr. Lisa breaks down how long-term stress disrupts hormones like cortisol, ghrelin, insulin, and leptin, creating powerful cravings for comfort foods and making weight loss feel impossible. Especially for women.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between acute and chronic stress—and how each affects appetite
• Why ghrelin is more than just a "hunger hormone"
• How stress-related hormone shifts lead to abdominal fat, leptin resistance, and overeating
• Why weight gain under stress is not your fault, and what science says we can do about it
• The critical role of support, therapy, medications, and mindful self-compassion in lasting change

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever blamed themselves for weight gain under stress. There’s real science behind it...And there’s hope.

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This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.