Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

The Truth About Stress, Belly Fat, Alcohol and Journalling & How To Tune Into Your Body & Mind with Neuroscientist Tara Swart (re-release) #516

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Jan 26, 2025

In this insightful discussion, neuroscientist Tara Swart, a former medical doctor and MIT lecturer, dives deep into the ripple effects of stress on health and how it can lead to weight gain. She shares powerful strategies for managing stress, boosts resilience through journaling, and emphasizes the importance of creativity, nature, and understanding personal values. Tara also explores the role of intuition, spirituality, and even topics like consciousness and mortality, providing a thought-provoking perspective on well-being.

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INSIGHT

Stress Definition and Impact

Stress is when the load on your body or mind becomes excessive.
It triggers cortisol release, impacting various systems and promoting belly fat storage.

INSIGHT

Stress and Weight Gain

Stress significantly contributes to weight gain and fat storage, often more than diet.
Even with dietary changes and exercise, high cortisol levels can hinder weight loss.

ANECDOTE

Stress-Induced Heart Attacks

Tara Swart recalls a young, slim woman at MIT who suffered a stress-induced heart attack.
She also discusses working with a bank where stress-related heart attacks were common on the trading floor.

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For today’s episode, I’m pleased to welcome back the wonderful Dr Tara Swart. Tara is a neuroscientist, a former medical doctor & psychiatrist, a lecturer at MIT, an executive coach and author of the bestselling book, The Source. She also hosts the podcast Reinvent Yourself with Dr Tara.

If you’ve listened to my previous episodes with Tara, you’ll remember her unique talent for using neuroscience and behavioural psychology to probe ideas, theories, and practices that many believe work, but we’re not sure why.

This insightful and often unusual episode takes a deep and meaningful look at stress - what exactly it is, what impact it has on health and how it predisposes us to storing fat. We also discuss the most effective ways to manage stress, the best ways to build resilience and the benefits of practices like journalling.

We really do cover a whole variety of different topics today including metacognition, the definition of spirituality, what exactly intuition and interoception are, and how we can use them to get to know our minds and bodies more intimately. We talk about rituals, the incredible power of creativity, beauty, and time spent in nature. And finally, we ask some big questions around the topic of death and consciousness, which Tara is increasingly drawn to studying.

If you’re someone who’s interested in alternative thinking and new ideas, but likes the reassurance of scientific backing, Tara’s warmth and wisdom will tick all your boxes. If you’re a sceptic - well, this conversation might just open your mind.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/516

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.