🎧 Episode Overview:
Dr. Ali Novitsky returns with renewed energy and exciting updates—including an upcoming trip to Japan and life with new chicks!
In this episode, she tackles a timely and often misunderstood issue: weight gain in lean women during perimenopause and menopause. Through personal insights and a detailed case study, she explores how hormonal shifts impact metabolism, body composition, and mental health—and how to approach this population with compassion and strategy.
1. Understanding Hormonal Shifts
· Estrogen & testosterone decline, cortisol increases
· Impact on muscle mass, fat distribution, energy, and anxiety
· Dr. Novitsky’s personal hormone journey
2. Case Study: Laura (Age 45)
· Lean, active woman experiencing weight gain
· Symptoms, lab results, and emotional impact
· Guided steps for clinical management
3. Tools for Tailored Assessment
· Importance of motivational interviewing
· Taking weight history and analyzing body composition
· Using InBody scans to assess fat/muscle distribution
4. Nutritional and Lifestyle Strategy
· Conducting a nutrition audit
· Realistic food tracking goals
· Importance of strength training in midlife
5. Addressing Resistance & Setting Expectations
· Normalizing frustration and resistance
· Setting achievable fat loss goals
· Supporting “naturally thin” women who are metabolically vulnerable
6. When Lifestyle Isn’t Enough
· Recognizing when medication may help
· Debunking stigma around pharmacologic support
· Advocating for early, proactive intervention
· Hormonal changes in perimenopause affect more than weight — they impact muscle, mood, and metabolism
· “Normal weight obesity” is real — body composition matters more than BMI
· Strength training is key for sustainable metabolic health
· Compassion + data = successful clinical care
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Summer update + trip to Japan
00:43 – Weight gain in lean perimenopausal women
05:05 – Case Study: Laura
09:47 – Motivational interviewing and trust-building
13:08 – Hormonal shifts: cortisol, testosterone, thyroid
15:00 – Sleep, hunger hormones, and weight
19:04 – Detailed weight history
22:03 – Body composition metrics that matter
29:08 – Nutrition audit tips
35:02 – Why strength training is essential
42:09 – When to consider medication
43:22 – Wrapping up and next week’s teaser
🎤 Final Thought:
Dr. Novitsky reminds us that weight gain during perimenopause isn’t a personal failure — it’s biology. With compassionate care and science-backed strategies, women can navigate this life stage with confidence and clarity.
🎯 Ready to Personalize Your Health?
Work with Dr. Ali
• Beginner Strength Training Program – 12 months for only$199! Enroll TODAY
• Total Fitness Program – A 12-month mind-body experience. Enroll HERE
• The Fit Collective® x InBody USA/Canada – Get 15% off select models. Click HERE