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:

Why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy
The difference between sugar burners and fat burners
How obesogens and toxins contribute to weight loss resistance
The role of fasting insulin and blood glucose in evaluating metabolic health
Why “calories in, calories out” is overly simplistic
How fasting, ketosis, and metabolic flexibility help restore health
Practical steps to shift from sugar-burning to fat-burning in 7 days
The power of gratitude and mindset in sustainable health change

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.

Guest Details:

Ben Azadi’s Website: benazadi.com
Instagram: @thebenazadi
YouTube: Ben Azadi on YouTube
Podcast: Metabolic Freedom Podcast
Book: metabolicfreedombook.com – Metabolic Freedom (May 13, 2025 release)
– Pre-order bonuses include a 12-lesson metabolism course + interviews with Dr. Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Gary Brecka, Dr. Daniel Pompa, and Cynthia Thurlow

Rupa Health Details:

Timestamps

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

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