Ep. #544 | Belly Fat, Inflammation and What’s Driving Both

By Jenn Pike | December 15, 2025

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most requested topics: why so many women struggle with weight gain, hormonal shifts, and belly fat—especially as we move through our 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Key Topics:

  • The real reasons behind changes in body composition and why “just doing more cardio” or “eating less” isn’t the answer.
  • The importance of building muscle, not just losing weight, for a tighter midsection and overall health.
  • How lifestyle changes, hormonal fluctuations, and even being more sedentary than we realize can impact our results.
  • Why advanced training strategies and a focus on progressive overload are key for women who are already fit but not seeing the results they want.
  • The role of cortisol, stress, and recovery—including how to implement a “cortisol reset” and why rest days and nutrient timing matter.
  • Practical tips for structuring your training, dialing in your nutrition (yes, you probably need more carbs!), and staying consistent for long-term results.
  • My personal journey with body composition, muscle building, and the lessons I’ve learned through perimenopause and beyond.

Let’s dive in!

Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you’re at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I’ll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I’ll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!

Click here to listen:

Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE

This episode is sponsored by:

  • withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order
  • St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 
  • Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for “subscribe & save” option

Free Resources:

Programs:

Connect with Jenn:

Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I’ll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

Posted in Podcast Episodes and tagged , , , , , , , , ,