
Metabolic Freedom With Ben Azadi #1182 The Hidden Hormone Driving Belly Fat, Stress, and Metabolic Slowdown — And the 30-Day Protocol That Fixes It With Ben Azadi
Dec 11, 2025
Discover the surprising role of cortisol, the stress hormone, in stubborn belly fat and why traditional weight loss methods may not work. Learn how fasted cardio could actually worsen fat storage, and explore effective strategies to reset your body's cortisol levels for better fat loss. Ben shares a 30-day protocol filled with practical tips like adjusting morning routines, incorporating strength training, and managing stress. Get ready to unlock your metabolic potential and transform your health!
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Ditch Fasted Runs For Walking Or Post-Meal Cardio
- Avoid fasted endurance cardio like morning runs because it spikes cortisol and drives visceral fat storage.
- Instead, do a 15–30 minute fasted walk or perform cardio after a high-protein breakfast.
Visceral Fat Listens Louder To Cortisol
- Visceral fat has two to three times more cortisol receptors than other fat, so cortisol preferentially drives abdominal fat growth.
- That biology helps explain why stress disproportionately increases dangerous belly fat.
Fix Your Morning Cortisol Curve
- Reset your morning cortisol curve by delaying caffeine, avoiding immediate phone use, and getting natural light first thing.
- Use a sunrise-simulation lamp if natural sunlight isn’t available to wake more gently and lower cortisol spikes.




