The Ben Azadi Show

Why does losing belly fat become more challenging after 40, even with consistent exercise and calorie restriction? In this episode of The Ben Azadi Show, Ben Azadi welcomes fitness expert, author, and podcast host Doug Bopst for an in-depth conversation about the factors influencing fat loss, metabolic health, and body composition as we age. Together, they challenge conventional weight-loss strategies, exploring why simply eating less and exercising more may not always deliver sustainable results. The discussion examines the roles of insulin resistance, metabolic flexibility, muscle preservation, and hormonal responses in the body's ability to manage energy and stored fat. Ben and Doug also explore how fasting, meal timing, sleep quality, and stress management can influence metabolic health, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable habits rather than relying exclusively on calorie restriction or intense exercise. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical insights into optimizing health after 40, highlighting the value of understanding individual metabolic needs and building a long-term approach to fat loss, physical performance, and overall well-being. ABOUT THE GUEST Doug Bopst is a fitness expert, author, motivational speaker, and host of The Adversity Advantage podcast, where he interviews leading experts and thought leaders on health, fitness, personal development, and overcoming adversity. Recognized for his personal transformation and commitment to helping others improve their lives, Doug combines his experience in fitness and coaching with a strong emphasis on discipline, resilience, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Through his work, Doug encourages individuals to overcome personal challenges, develop healthier habits, and pursue lasting improvements in physical and mental well-being. In this episode, he joins Ben Azadi to share his perspective on metabolic health, stubborn fat loss, nutrition, fasting, and the importance of adapting health strategies with age. Their discussion connects practical experience with emerging research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable weight management and long-term health. HEALTH DISCLAIMER The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. FOLLOW DOUG BOPST Website: Doug Bopst | Official Website About Doug | Personal Trainer, Author & Podcast Host Instagram: Doug Bopst (@dougbopst) YouTube: Doug Bopst (@dougbopst1) Podcast: The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst FOLLOW BEN AZADI Instagram: ⁠Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profile⁠ Facebook: ⁠Ben Azadi, FDN-P⁠ TikTok: ⁠Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTok⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BenAzadi⁠ Website: ⁠Ben Azadi⁠ 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS: Metabolic Freedom: ⁠Metabolic Freedom⁠ Keto Flex: ⁠Get KetoFlex + Bonuses

Get 10% off Lineage Provisions with code FREEDOM10 at ⁠https://bit.ly/4hM7tQ6⁠ Eat less, move more. It's what almost every doctor tells you, and research suggests most people who rely on it regain the weight within a few years. Dr. Paul Saladino and I tier rank exercise, nutrition, supplements, sleep, and biohacks to show what actually moves the needle on visceral fat, and why your hunger may be the real problem. Eat less. Move more. It's the advice almost everyone gets when the doctor says their waistline is too big. And it can work, for a while. Then the weight comes back, often with extra. Dr. Paul Saladino argues that's because calorie counting ignores the real question: why are you so hungry in the first place? His answer starts in a small part of your brain that controls whether you feel full, and what the modern food supply may be doing to it. In this episode, Paul and I build a 30-day plan for losing visceral fat, the hard, round belly fat wrapped around your organs. We rank exercise, foods, supplements, sleep habits, and biohacks from S tier to D tier. Some of the rankings surprised even me. You can't pinch visceral fat. It sits around your organs, drains straight to your liver, and Dr. Paul Saladino calls it the center of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. In this episode, Paul and I break down what visceral fat is, how it forms when your body runs out of room to store fat safely, and the simple, inexpensive lab test both of us think everyone should get, even if your blood sugar looks normal. Then we put everything to the test with a tier list. We rank exercise for visceral fat, from post-meal walks to marathon running, and Paul shares why he used to run ultramarathons and wouldn't recommend chronic cardio now. We also respectfully disagree on fasted training. On nutrition, Paul explains how he went from carnivore to animal-based to what he calls "Food For Humans," why he believes calories are a psyop, and how processed foods may disrupt the part of your brain that tells you you're full. He also shares his view on GLP-1 medications: what they do well, and the side effect that worries him most. Plus, Paul ranks creatine, magnesium, vitamin D, fish oil, and berberine, explains why light flicker at night may be hurting your sleep, and tells us why he won't eat at restaurants with LED lighting. If you want to lose stubborn belly fat without white-knuckling your way through another diet, this is one to watch. Try Lineage Provisions: benazadi.com/lineage Code: FREEDOM10 About the Guest Dr. Paul Saladino is a board-certified medical doctor who worked as a physician assistant in cardiology before medical school and completed his residency at the University of Washington. After using a carnivore diet to address his own eczema, he became one of the most recognized voices in the carnivore and animal-based nutrition space and wrote The Carnivore Code. He left formal medical practice to focus on asking "why" about chronic disease, and is behind Lineage Provisions, the upcoming book Food For Humans, and Mr. Tallow's, a healthy fast food restaurant coming to Austin, Texas. FOLLOW DR. PAUL SALADINO Instagram: Dr. Paul Saladino (@paulsaladinomd) YouTube: Paul Saladino MD • YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Paulsaladinomd Health Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or medications. FOLLOW BEN AZADIInstagram: Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profileFacebook: Ben Azadi, FDN-PTikTok: Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTokLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenAzadiWebsite: Ben Azadi 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS:Metabolic Freedom: Metabolic FreedomKeto Flex: Get KetoFlex + Bonuses

You're eating clean, exercising, and trying to sleep on time, but that round, hard belly won't budge. In this episode, I share the exact 7-day plan I'd follow if I had one week to start reversing cortisol belly. Almost every step is free, and none of them involve working harder. You're eating clean. You're working out. You're going to bed on time. And the belly still won't budge. Here's something most people don't know: the area around your vital organs has about three times as many cortisol receptors as other parts of your body. So when you're chronically stressed, your body may be far more likely to store fat right there, around your belly. Alex learned this the hard way. Two weeks off after eye surgery, a little travel, a few extra sweets, and he could literally feel the inflammation in his belly. With his wedding less than 45 days away, he asked me one question: if you only had 7 days, what would you do? This episode is my answer. Why does belly fat stick around even when you feel like you're doing everything right? In this episode, Alex and I break down cortisol belly: what it is, why it's different from the fat you can pinch, and why your body may hold onto visceral fat when it thinks it's under threat. Your body can't tell the difference between a tiger chasing you and stress from your finances, your commute, or a late-night argument. To your body, it's all a threat, and threats tell it to store fat. So the goal isn't to fight harder. It's to change the signal. I walk through a simple 7-day plan where you stack one new habit each day, starting with the change I believe has the biggest impact on your deep sleep. We talk about why scrolling first thing in the morning and watching intense shows before bed could be working against you, and the "palate cleanse" trick my wife and I use at night. I also share the four daily habits I'd keep if I had to simplify everything. Alex gets real about how wedding stress, poor deep sleep, and a few weeks off track showed up in his body. I share what happened to my own stress levels after a few days of eating off-plan in Mexico. We also get into why more workouts, more restriction, and more fasting can sometimes make things worse, and why getting good at the "get back" matters more than avoiding setbacks. If you're dealing with stubborn belly fat, high stress, or poor sleep, start here. Health Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health routine. FOLLOW BEN AZADIInstagram: Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profileFacebook: Ben Azadi, FDN-PTikTok: Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTokLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenAzadiWebsite: Ben Azadi 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS:Metabolic Freedom: Metabolic FreedomKeto Flex: Get KetoFlex + Bonuses

Your blood sugar can look perfectly normal for up to 14 years while insulin resistance quietly builds underneath. Dave Asprey and I get into why most doctors never test for it, why the restaurant "tallow fries" you ordered may not be what you think, and what happened to my cholesterol, gut bacteria, and inflammation markers after 90 straight days of carnivore. 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy. In 2018, that number was 88%. It's getting worse, not better. And most people won't find out until years after the damage starts, because the test that could catch it early usually isn't ordered. There's no medication for high insulin, so why check? In this conversation, Dave Asprey and I go after the things that keep people stuck as sugar burners: high insulin, seed oils hiding in "healthy" menu items, oxalates in so-called superfoods, and the idea that your metabolism slows down just because you got older. Spoiler: a 6,800-person study says otherwise. What if your labs look fine and you're still years into a metabolic problem? In this episode, I sit down with biohacker Dave Asprey to talk about why so many people are stuck burning sugar, and what it takes to get your metabolic flexibility back. We start with insulin, the marker most doctors skip, and why a fasting insulin over 6 may be a warning sign even when your glucose and A1C look normal. Dave and I also break down why high insulin, not salt, may be what's pushing your blood pressure up. From there, we get into seed oils and why "high smoke point" doesn't mean what most people think. A study on cooking oils found that the oils with the highest smoke points produced the most harmful polar compounds, while one oil most people are told not to cook with produced the least. Dave and I don't fully agree on this one, and that's part of the fun. I also share the results of my 90-day carnivore experiment, including full blood work, stool tests, and a review from a heart surgeon. My total cholesterol went from 300 to 450. What the rest of my markers showed may surprise you. Dave shares his own carnivore experiment, which went very differently, and we talk about where the upper limit should be. Plus: how Dave gave himself gout in three days, why almond flour gave me recurring styes, the right way to think about gut diversity, and why your metabolism isn't fast or slow, it's efficient or inefficient. If you care about insulin resistance, seed oils, keto, carnivore, fasting, gut health, or longevity, this one's for you. About Dave Asprey Dave Asprey is a biohacker, entrepreneur, and host of The Human Upgrade podcast. He founded Bulletproof and wrote The Bulletproof Diet, one of the first major books to bring intermittent fasting and keto to a mainstream audience. He's also the author of Heavily Meditated and the founder of Danger Coffee, and he's involved with Upgrade Labs. After losing 50 pounds in three months on keto, Dave spent the next decade experimenting to lose the last 50. That journey shaped his data-driven approach to metabolic flexibility, longevity, and biohacking. Health Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or health routine. FOLLOW DAVE ASPREY Website: Dave Asprey | Official Website About Dave Asprey: Biohacking, Longevity & Human Performance Instagram: Dave Asprey (@dave.asprey) YouTube: Dave Asprey FOLLOW BEN AZADIInstagram: Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profileFacebook: Ben Azadi, FDN-PTikTok: Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTokLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenAzadiWebsite: Ben Azadi 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS:Metabolic Freedom: Metabolic FreedomKeto Flex: Get KetoFlex + Bonuses

What if the next step in your health journey isn't another complicated protocol, but understanding how your body responds to light, energy, and the right environment? Red light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) have become increasingly popular in conversations around longevity and regenerative health. But how do these technologies actually work, and what should you look for when evaluating them? In this episode, Ben Azadi sits down with filmmaker and researcher Jonathan Otto to explore the ideas and research surrounding red light, PEMF, mitochondria, ATP, inflammation, cellular signaling, and the body's regenerative processes. Jonathan shares how he evaluates different devices, including the measurements and testing methods he uses to better understand what a device is actually producing. The conversation also explores different wavelengths and frequencies, how these technologies may be combined, and why foundational health habits still matter alongside emerging technologies. Ben and Jonathan also discuss the potential applications of red light and PEMF in areas such as eyesight, mitochondrial function, circulation, and recovery, while exploring a broader question: how much regenerative potential does the human body already have? This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or medication. 🎧 Listen or watch the full episode:Jumper Cables for Your Mitochondria: How PEMF & Red Light Tackle Inflammation, Hashimoto's, Poor Sleep & Stubborn Belly Fat | Jonathan Otto #1382 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS:  Metabolic Freedom: ⁠⁠Metabolic Freedom⁠⁠ Keto Flex: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get KetoFlex + Bonuses FOLLOW JONATHAN OTTO Website: Jonathan Otto | Official Website About Jonathan Otto: Filmmaker, Journalist & Humanitarian Instagram: Jonathan Otto (@jonno.otto) Linktree: Jonathan Otto | Official Links FOLLOW BEN AZADI Instagram: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profile⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi, FDN-P⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTok⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BenAzadi⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi⁠⁠

Your morning doesn't need to be complicated to make a difference. In this Transformation Tuesday episode, Ben Azadi breaks down three simple habits to prioritize after waking: light before screens, water before coffee, and protein before carbs. Ben explains why the order of your morning routine matters and how small, consistent changes can influence your energy, cravings, eating decisions, and overall daily routine. He also addresses three common mistakes: reaching for your phone immediately, drinking caffeine before hydrating, and starting your first meal with carbohydrates without enough protein. The goal isn't perfection. Ben encourages listeners to choose one habit, practice it consistently for seven days, and then build on it with the next. Health Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or medication. Ben's Upcoming Keynotes: https://benazadi.com/events/ 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS: Metabolic Freedom: ⁠⁠⁠Metabolic Freedom⁠⁠⁠ Keto Flex: ⁠⁠⁠Ben Azadi introduces the revised edition of Keto Flex⁠⁠ FOLLOW BEN AZADIWebsite: ⁠www.BenAzadi.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@‌TheBenAzadi⁠Facebook: ⁠@‌TheBenAzadi⁠ Youtube: Ben Azadi

How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start Monday”? Ben Azadi challenges the idea that you need the perfect plan, the perfect timing, or the perfect version of yourself before you can make a change. In this episode, he breaks down why waiting to feel ready can keep you stuck and why imperfect action is often the fastest path forward. Using the story of two ship captains, Ben explains the difference between planning endlessly and actually moving. The captain who starts imperfectly can see when he’s off course and make adjustments along the way. The lesson is simple: you can’t course-correct a ship that never leaves the harbor. Ben also explores the “what the hell effect” and how one setback can turn into an entire week, month, or even years of abandoning your goals. The setback itself may be small. It’s the story you tell yourself afterward that creates the real damage. Instead of waiting until Monday, Ben encourages you to start right now, focus on one or two changes at a time, stop protecting fragile streaks, and count your comebacks instead. Because it’s not about the setback. It’s about the get back. 🎧 Listen or watch the full episode:It’s Not Too Late: Stop Waiting for Perfect and Start Changing Your Life | #1378 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS: **Metabolic Freedom: ⁠⁠Metabolic Freedom⁠⁠ Keto Flex: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi introduces the revised edition of Keto Flex⁠⁠ FOLLOW BEN AZADI Instagram: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profile⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi, FDN-P⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTok⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KetoKamp Website: ⁠⁠Home - Ben Azadi⁠⁠

What if the stem cell treatment you’re paying thousands of dollars for doesn’t actually contain the viable, functional stem cells you think it does? In this episode of The Ben Azadi Show, Ben sits down with Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, who has spent more than 20 years manufacturing cell therapies, holds patents in the field, and has been involved in FDA clinical trials. Dr. Gonzalez shares a surprising estimate based on the cell samples he has tested: only about 5% may contain viable, functional stem cells. He explains why sourcing the cells is only the beginning. The processing, freezing, thawing, storage, and administration of stem cells can dramatically affect their viability. He also breaks down what can happen when cells die and why proper handling matters when these therapies are administered to patients. The conversation explores what consumers may actually be receiving when they purchase stem cell treatments, the importance of cell viability, and why the science and manufacturing process behind these therapies deserves far more attention. Dr. Gonzalez also explains how his team approaches cell preservation and clinical testing, including why even their own clinical studies typically achieve around 88–89% viability. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the science of cell therapy and raises an important question: Do you really know what’s inside the stem cell treatment you’re paying for? 🎧 Listen the full episode:The Hidden Problem With Stem Cell Therapy Nobody Is Talking About | Rafael Gonzalez #1376 GET YOUR TICKETSGet your ticket to hear Ben speak at this year's ISSCA 126 Regenerative Medicine Global Summit here: benazadi.com/events FOLLOW DR. RAFAEL GONZALES Website: ⁠RESTEM | Regenerative Medicine & Cell-Based Therapeutics https://www.restem.com/about ⁠About Dr. Rafael Gonzales https://www.a4m.com/rafael-gonzalez.html Instagram: ⁠Dr. Rafael Gonzales (@drgonzalezphd) • https://www.instagram.com/drgonzalezphd/ 📚 GET BEN'S BOOKS:Metabolic Freedom: ⁠Metabolic Freedom⁠Keto Flex: ⁠Ben Azadi introduces the revised edition of Keto Flex⁠ FOLLOW BEN AZADI Instagram: ⁠Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profile⁠ Facebook: ⁠Ben Azadi, FDN-P⁠ TikTok: ⁠Ben Azadi - Metabolic Freedom on TikTok⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KetoKamp Website: ⁠Home - Ben Azadi

Ben and Alex Montalenti talk about a simpler way to improve your health without getting caught up in complicated routines, endless supplements, or whatever the latest health trend happens to be. They break down five simple signals that can have a real impact: getting natural light in the morning, stopping food three hours before bed, prioritizing protein, taking a 10-minute walk after your biggest meal, and paying attention to the everyday habits that affect how your body is functioning. You don’t need another 22-step routine to improve your health. The focus here is on getting back to the basics and doing a few things consistently. Instead of constantly looking for the next health hack, this episode is about keeping things simple, sticking with the fundamentals, and giving those habits enough time to actually work. FOLLOW BEN AZADI Website: www.BenAzadi.comInstagram: @TheBenAzadiFacebook: @TheBenAzadiTikTok: @TheBenAzadiLinkedIn: @BenAzadiYouTube: Ben Azadi BEN AZADI'S BOOKS Keto Flex: ⁠Get Keto Flex + Bonuses Metabolic Freedom: Get Metabolic Freedom

What if losing weight isn't the first step to getting healthy? In this episode, Ben joins Jesse Chappus to challenge the idea that excess weight is the root problem. Ben explains why he sees weight as a symptom of deeper metabolic dysfunction and shares the approach that helped him lose 80 pounds of fat in nine months after years of struggling with obesity. They break down why simply eating less and exercising more can become a frustrating cycle, how inflammation and hormones influence metabolic health, and why focusing on whole foods instead of ultra-processed foods is a powerful place to start. Ben also explains why eliminating constant snacking, building and preserving lean muscle, prioritizing protein, and supporting recovery all play a role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. He shares insights from the landmark 2021 Science study led by Dr. Herman Pontzer, which analyzed more than 6,400 people across 29 countries, including what it revealed about metabolic changes across adulthood and the role of muscle mass later in life. The conversation also explores creatine, protein intake, carbohydrates, insulin, and the importance of looking beyond the number on the scale. The bigger message is simple: don't make weight the only metric you care about. Build metabolic health first, and let the results follow. 📚 Get Ben's books:Metabolic FreedomKetoFlex FOLLOW BEN AZADIInstagram: Ben Azadi (@thebenazadi) • Instagram profileYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KetoKampWebsite: Home - Ben Azadi Follow Jesse Chappus:Website: The -[p Chappus ShowPodcast: The Jesse Chappus Show, available on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessechappusshow/

What if improving your metabolism has less to do with complicated protocols—and more to do with the small choices you make every day? In this episode, Ben chats with health and biohacking expert Dylan Gemelli to dive into some of the fundamentals that matter most: sunlight, gut health, fasting, ketosis, food order, glucose, and movement. From eating protein first, fat second, and carbs last to taking a simple 10-minute walk after a meal, Ben and Dylan discuss practical strategies that can help you better understand and support your metabolism. No complicated protocols. Just better information and simple actions you can actually apply. To learn more about Dylan Gemelli and his work:  Website: www.dylangemelli.com  Podcast: The Dylan Gemelli Podcast FOLLOW BEN AZADI Website: www.BenAzadi.comInstagram: @TheBenAzadiFacebook: @TheBenAzadiTikTok: @TheBenAzadiLinkedIn: @BenAzadiYouTube: Ben Azadi BEN AZADI'S BOOKS Keto Flex: Get Keto Flex + Bonuses Metabolic Freedom: Get Metabolic Freedom

Get Ben's new book Keto Flex here → ketoflexbook.com It’s not too late to change your health. In this episode, Alex Montalenti came back to the show to review what changed in his bloodwork over just 90 days. We broke down his nutrition, training, sleep, inflammation, and the simple habits that helped move his health markers in the right direction. What I love about Alex’s story is that he didn’t need to completely change his life overnight. He made better choices consistently, took responsibility for what he was putting into his body, and started seeing the results. Your health can change at any age. It starts with the choices you make today. Find All The Ben Azadi Show Sponsorship Deals → benazadi.com/sponsorship-deals Ben's website → benazadi.com

Get Ben's new book Keto Flex here → https://bit.ly/4wKG1sM For years, I thought my health struggles were just genetics. Then I realized I had to take responsibility. That shift changed how I ate, moved, thought, and ultimately lived. Nine months later, I had lost 80 pounds. In this conversation with Dr. Daniel Pompa, we go deeper into the mindset shift that changed everything and how pain can become purpose. That purpose became my mission: helping others find metabolic freedom. Find All The Ben Azadi Show Sponsorship Deals → https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Ben's website → http://www.benazadi.com