128. The Hidden Connection Between Inflammation, Insulin & Belly Fat

Do you feel like your belly fat has a mind of its own no matter how clean you eat or how much you exercise? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Smith, a former endocrinologist turned functional medicine expert, to uncover the surprising link between inflammation, insulin resistance, and stubborn abdominal fat especially for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife metabolism changes. We explore how chronic stress, poor sleep, gut inflammation, and cortisol work together to slow your metabolism, drive weight gain, and trigger that frustrating feeling of being "stuck." You'll learn why checking fasting insulin is one of the most overlooked keys to understanding your energy, belly fat, and hormone balance, and how gut health plays a hidden but massive role in fat storage and inflammation. What You'll Learn in This Episode • The real reason you're gaining weight around your midsection—and it's not just about calories or willpower. • Why high insulin levels can silently drive inflammation, fatigue, and hormone imbalance even when your glucose looks normal. • How gut inflammation and leaky gut can make your body more insulin-resistant and prone to belly fat. • Simple, free ways to lower inflammation, reset your metabolism, and finally lose weight where it won't budge. If you've been doing "everything right" but still battling belly fat, fatigue, and bloating, it's not your fault. The missing piece is understanding how your hormones, gut, and metabolism interact through insulin and inflammation. This conversation gives you the insight to finally work with your body—not against it—to restore balance, energy, and metabolic health. Where you can find out more about Dr. Cassie: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community. 👉 Grab your free copy now at https://go.megmill.com/trustedbrands and start shopping with confidence today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill . Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women entering perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, brain fog, bloating, IBS, constipation, digestive discomfort, histamine issues, migraines, anxiety or hormone imbalances, this show is for you. You'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms and other hormonal imbalances—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza Snyder.