# 72. Cortisol Belly: How Stress & Your Nervous System Are Blocking Weight Loss and Slowing Your Metabolism

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538/72-cortisol-belly-how-stress-your-nervous-system-are-blocking-weight-loss-and-slowing-your-metabolism
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538/72-cortisol-belly-how-stress-your-nervous-system-are-blocking-weight-loss-and-slowing-your-metabolism.md
Podcast: [Improve Energy for Busy Moms | Gut Health, Hormone Imbalance, Fatigue, Moodiness, Bloating, Weight Loss](https://stenobird.com/podcast/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538)
Published: 2026-03-16T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://improveenergytofeelamazing.podbean.com/e/72-cortisol-belly-how-stress-your-nervous-system-are-blocking-weight-loss-and-slowing-your-metabolism/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n8c6m75axt3h4tjm/Ep_72_-_Cortisol_Belly-_How_Stress_Your_Nervous_System_Are_Blocking_Weight_Loss_and_Slowing_Your_Metabolismab2cr.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/improve-energy-for-busy-moms-gut-health-hormone-imbalance-fatigue-moodiness-bloating-weight-loss-7094538/episodes/72-cortisol-belly-how-stress-your-nervous-system-are-blocking-weight-loss-and-slowing-your-metabolism
Duration seconds: 1753

## Resource

Hi Listeners! Have you noticed stubborn midsection weight gain, increased anxiety, poor sleep, salt and sugar cravings, and that “wired but tired” feeling — even though you’re doing everything that used to work? You go to the doctor, your labs are “fine,” and you’re told it’s just part of getting older. But over time, 5 pounds turns into 25… and frustration keeps rising. In this episode, we unpack cortisol belly — abdominal weight gain driven by chronic stress — and why it’s nearly impossible to lose weight when your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. You’ll learn how cortisol affects your hormones (including progesterone), your gut health, your blood sugar, and ultimately your metabolism. We’ll also talk about the surprising solution: not more restriction, not harder workouts, not longer fasts — but regulating your nervous system. Breathwork, rest, oxytocin, blood sugar stability, and surrendering your stress to God are not “doing nothing.” They are powerful, free tools that reset your stress response and allow your body to feel safe enough to heal. If you’ve been white-knuckling your health journey, this episode will give you permission to step off the gas — and finally start seeing progress. Sara — Nourish Health Coaching To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media: New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850 Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/ My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home If you love my podcast, leave me a…

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