In this episode, I dive into the science behind why stubborn belly fat won't budge and why you're constantly exhausted, focusing on the five non-negotiable "buttons" you need to push to fix your metabolism, stabilize your blood sugar, and get your energy back.

I explain:

• Why the decline of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause leads to insulin resistance, which literally prevents you from losing belly fat.
• How the deep belly fat, called visceral fat, has three to four times more cortisol receptors than fat cells elsewhere, causing stress and elevated cortisol (including from blood sugar crashes) to tell your belly fat to grow.
• Why continuing to "eat less, do more cardio, and restrict calories" is the wrong button to push in midlife.

Insulin resistance is a precursor to serious health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer's (Type 3 diabetes). This is about fixing the root cause of your weight and energy struggles.

I also provide a free 7-day hormone reset and fat loss starter challenge with resources, including a meal plan and food lists.

This challenge starts every Monday and you can register here:

Join the 7-Day Hormone Reset & Fat Loss Starter Challenge → https://go.sarafrenzafitness.com/7day-fatloss-starter

Important Timestamps

4:08–4:34 The analogy: Why "eating less and doing more cardio" is the wrong button to push.

7:18–8:11 How declining estrogen in perimenopause and menopause changes metabolism.

8:21–9:26 The explanation of insulin resistance and how chronically high insulin makes fat burning impossible.

9:29–10:02 Why visceral belly fat is so stubborn and loves to grow.

11:46–12:01 Why muscle mass is your best tool for managing blood sugar.

13:36–14:35S olution #1: Eat more protein at every meal (30g+).

14:37–15:30 Solution #2: Eat every 3 to 4 hours to stabilize blood sugar.

17:00–18:11 Solution #4: Start Strength Training to increase insulin sensitivity.

18:14–19:24 Solution #5: Sprint Interval Training (HIIT) for a powerful boost to insulin sensitivity.

19:33–20:01 Why fixing insulin resistance matters for long-term health (Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's).

27:20–27:55 Information on the free 7-day hormone reset and fat loss starter challenge.

Links & resources

Join the 7-Day Hormone Reset & Fat Loss Starter Challenge → https://go.sarafrenzafitness.com/7day-fatloss-starter ‌

FREE MASTERCLASS “Fat loss Formula for women over 40”

February 3, 2026 at 6:30 pm EST. Register here :

https://go.sarafrenzafitness.com/fat-loss-formula-v2

Join the 28-Day Menopause Fat Loss Kickstart Challenge → Next one starts in February 14, 2026. Registration Now Open https://go.sarafrenzafitness.com/registration

Apply for 1:1 Nutrition, Fitness and body transformation Coaching program →https://go.sarafrenzafitness.com/coaching-application-email ‌