The Shocking Connection Between Stress and Belly Fat (And What You Can Do About It!)

Jan 14, 2026

Guest

Sharon Berquist

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sean O'Mara, a medical expert on visceral fat, highlights how stress and cortisol contribute to belly fat accumulation, advocating for high-intensity resistance workouts. Dr. Sara Gottfried explains how trauma and perceived stress disrupt hormonal balance, heightening chronic disease risk. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal introduces stress mindsets that can reframe stress as a positive force, while Dr. Sharon Berquist discusses the biological mechanisms of resilience and the pivotal role of exercise in maintaining metabolic health.

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INSIGHT

Stress Drives Most Health Problems

Upwards of 80% of doctor visits have a primary stress component according to a JAMA study.
Stress deeply influences every organ system and can literally make us sick.

ADVICE

Eliminate Persistent Life Stressors

Kill the lions and tigers: solve problems or move away from persistent stressors when possible.
If you cannot remove the stressor, actively address it or change your situation to reduce chronic exposure.

INSIGHT

Cortisol Shrinks Muscle And Builds Belly Fat

Cortisol is catabolic to muscle but anabolic to visceral fat, promoting internal fat while eroding muscle.
This hormonal action helps explain why chronic stress preferentially increases belly and organ fat.

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Today we’re going to dive into the intricate relationship between stress and excess body fat. Managing your stress, along with essential diet, sleep, and exercise inputs, is a critical part of your overall well-being—including your body composition. On this compilation episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to learn from four incredible experts on the role that stress plays in our bodies.

You’re going to learn about the connection between stress and unwanted body fat, as well as how to reduce your stress levels. You’re going to learn from some of the most respected experts in the realm of stress, cortisol, psychology, and healthy aging. This episode covers the difference between good stress and bad stress, how your hormones respond to cortisol, and tips for helping your body manage stress better.

Managing your stress might be the overlooked secret to unlocking your body composition goals, so I hope this episode gives you the information and inspiration you need. Click play and enjoy the show!

In this episode you’ll discover:

What percentage of doctor’s visits are fueled by stress. (0:41)
The link between stress levels and visceral fat. (2:56)
Why excess cortisol leads to more belly fat. (5:05)
What types of exercise are best for your cortisol rhythm. (10:47)
The two types of genes that are most likely to be harmed by trauma. (22:06)
How your hormones respond to high levels of cortisol. (23:48)
What percentage of people have dysregulated cortisol levels. (29:45)
One of the biggest misconceptions about stress. (33:50)
Three key beliefs that can help you manage stress better. (33:30)
Why exercise is essential for mental health. (36:17)
What hormesis is. (46:01)
The definition of sustress and why it can be damaging. (47:04)
What the main goal of your stress response system is. (48:58)
How cellular dysfunction leads to modern diseases. (51:50)
The role your mitochondria plays in your overall health. (55:54)

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Paleovalley.com/model - Use code MODEL for 15% off!
Piquelife.com/model - Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions!
5 Belly Fat Mistakes with Dr. Sean O’Mara - Hear the full interview here!
The Reason You Aren’t Losing Weight with Dr. Sara Gottfried - See the full interview!
The Link Between Exercise & Connection with Dr. Kelly McGonigal - Watch here!
Why Your Body Needs Stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist - See the full interview here!

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Paleovalley and Pique.

Use my code MODEL at Paleovalley.com/model to save 15% sitewide on nutrient dense snacks, superfood supplements, and more.

Go to Piquelife.com/model for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.