Is your metabolism really broken — or is that the wrong question entirely?

In this episode of The One Thing Podcast, we’re joined by Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor, author, and former evolutionary biology researcher, for a powerful conversation that reframes metabolism, hormones, and weight through the lens of biology — not blame.

This is not a conversation about calorie counting or willpower.

Instead, we explore why insulin resistance often comes before weight gain, how modern life has quietly disrupted metabolic health, and why many people are doing “everything right” and still struggling. We also talk about menopause as an evolutionary adaptation, the role of the nervous system and stress, gut health and mitochondria, and why energy — not weight — is one of the clearest signs of metabolic health.

If you’ve ever felt confused, blamed, or discouraged by mainstream health advice, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a more accurate framework for understanding your body.

In this episode, we cover:

Why metabolism is not a willpower problem

Insulin resistance vs. weight gain — what actually comes first

Metabolic inflexibility and why fatigue matters more than the scale

Menopause as an evolutionary advantage

How stress, sleep, and the nervous system affect metabolism

The gut–mitochondria–hormone connection

Why “eat less, move more” often fails

How to think in terms of metabolic levers, not micromanagement

Who this episode is for:

Anyone struggling with energy, weight, or metabolic health

Women navigating perimenopause or menopause

Clinicians and health practitioners

Listeners tired of shame-based health narratives

📌 If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who’s been told their body is the problem.
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that explore health through biology, nuance, and systems thinking.

Links to Lara Briden’s work and books are available here https://www.larabriden.com/lara-briden-books/

For longer show notes go to: https://onethingpod.com

#Metabolism #InsulinResistance #Women’sHealth #Hormones #Menopause #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #NaturopathicMedicine #HealthPodcast