In this first Mini-Mikkipedia of 2026, Mikki breaks down why fat gain—especially around the midsection—can occur even when you’re “doing everything right” on paper. Tracking calories, training consistently, and eating well may still fall short if chronic stress is driving the hormonal environment. This episode unpacks the physiology behind stress-induced fat storage, with a particular focus on cortisol, visceral adiposity, and disrupted fuel partitioning. Mikki explains why stressed bodies are more likely to lose muscle, store abdominal fat, and struggle with fat oxidation—despite being in a calorie deficit. She also explores how under-eating, poor sleep, and excessive training compound the problem, creating a metabolic perfect storm. The key takeaway: stress management isn’t optional. It’s a foundational pillar of metabolic health, fat loss, and long-term body composition success.

Key Topics Covered

How chronic cortisol drives visceral fat storage
Fuel partitioning: why stressed bodies burn muscle, not fat
Why eating less and training more can backfire under stress
The role of sleep, recovery, and energy availability in fat loss
Practical stress-management strategies that actually move the needle

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Mini Mikkipedia - Why Stress Can Block Fat Loss—Even in Deficit