The Weight Loss Paradox: Beyond Calories

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Ben Azadi to discuss metabolic flexibility, fat-burning versus sugar-burning states, and why traditional calorie-focused approaches to weight loss often fail.

You'll hear them discuss:

Ben Azadi is the founder of Keto Kamp, author of the upcoming book Metabolic Freedom, and a leading voice in the fasting and keto space. After transforming his own health and weight, Ben has gone on to educate thousands globally on how to unlock fat-burning metabolism, address root causes of metabolic disease, and optimize wellness through diet, mindset, and functional practices. His work centers on empowering individuals to achieve what he calls “metabolic freedom”—the ability to thrive using fat, not sugar, as fuel.

04:12 – What a Healthy Metabolism Looks Like
 05:43 – Common Signs You’re a Sugar Burner
 06:15 – Why Fasting Insulin is More Important Than A1C
 09:09 – Optimal Ranges for A1C and Glucose
 11:02 – Why "Calories In, Calories Out" Isn’t Enough
 14:50 – Senescent Cells, Inflammation, and Weight Loss Resistance
 16:34 – Obesogens and Toxins That Disrupt Metabolism
 21:03 – Where Ben Stands on Seed Oils
 25:03 – How to Shift to Fat Burning in 7 Days
 27:48 – Supporting the Liver During Metabolic Shifts
 29:15 – Using Glucose and Ketone Monitors for Insight
 33:20 – Next Steps: Fasting, Movement, and “Metabolic Confusion”
 35:01 – Why Snacking Sabotages Metabolic Flow
 37:27 – How to Start Intermittent Fasting (the Right Way)
 39:02 – Ketone and Glucose Tracking in the 30-Day Plan
 40:28 – Yes, You Can Have Carbs Again
 43:03 – The Role of Mindset and Gratitude in Weight Loss
 45:36 – Where to Find Ben and Get His Book