The Healing Catalyst Weight Management, Hormones, and Strength in Midlife with Dr. Jen Ashton
In this practical and empowering episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh sits down with Dr. Jen Ashton—board-certified OB-GYN, nutritionist, obesity-medicine specialist, and four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist—to explore the science of weight management and strength in midlife.
Together, they unpack how shifting hormones, changing metabolism, and lifestyle habits affect women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and beyond—and what truly works to stay strong, energized, and balanced.
Drawing on Dr. Ashton’s medical expertise and her own six-month Wellness Experiment, they discuss how women can combine evidence-based science, smart movement, and self-compassion to thrive through perimenopause and menopause.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- (03:17) Why midlife weight gain happens—and how hormones like estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone influence metabolism
- (13:58) How Ayurvedic principles of balance, rhythm, and individuality align with modern science on women’s metabolism and longevity
- (18:58) How to balance strength training, cardio, and recovery to optimize energy and results
- (30:33) How variety and intensity (not restriction) are essential for healthy weight management and long-term vitality
- (43:17) Why adaptability—not perfection—is the foundation for sustainable health
- (47:26) The role of creatine in supporting muscle, metabolism, and brain health—and how to use it safely
- (52:07) Why Dr. Ashton’s one simple wellness tip, to start doing today, is meditation
This episode is your science-backed guide to weight management and strength in midlife—showing how adaptability, balance, and variety can help you feel strong, confident, and fully alive at every stage.
About Dr. Jen Ashton:
Dr. Jennifer Ashton is the founder and President of Ajenda, a multimedia company centered around weight management, women’s health and nutrition. She is the creator of Ajenda’s Wellness Experiment, a daily nutrition, fitness and health program designed specifically for women over 50. One of the only physicians with a national platform who is credentialed in nutrition, obesity medicine and gynecology, Dr. Ashton is the former ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent where she was the first woman and only the third physician to hold this position in the history of the network. A graduate of Columbia College and Columbia Medical School, she is board-certified in Ob-Gyn and Obesity Medicine, is a 4-time Emmy Award winner for her work in medical reporting and has received the Columbia Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in Journalism and the American Heart Association’s Woman of the Year Award for her work on women’s health advocacy. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and is the author of six books, including the national best-seller, The Self Care Solution.
Connect with Dr. Jen Ashton:
- Instagram: @drjashton / @joinajenda
- Website: https://www.joinajenda.com
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjashton
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-ashton-354576204/
Connect with Dr. Avanti:
- Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
- Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
- Watch clips and past episodes on YouTube
- Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh
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- Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti
- Explore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.com
Resources:
- Order Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health Catalyst
- Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz
- Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.