Why Overtraining Is Not Helping You Lose Fat

In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, Registered Dietitian Shara Perry breaks down why more exercise isn’t always the answer for fat loss. Chronic high-intensity training, under-fueling, and elevated cortisol can actually stall fat loss by breaking down muscle, lowering metabolic rate, and signaling the body to hold onto energy. Shara explains the physiology behind Zone 1 and Zone 2 cardio, how they support mitochondrial health, fat oxidation, and cortisol regulation, and why lower-stress training can be far more effective for sustainable fat loss and muscle retention. If you’ve been working harder but seeing fewer results, this episode will help you understand why — and how to train in a way that actually supports your metabolism.

Brain fart sponsored by Pfizer. Here's that information I blanked on mid-episode:

Aerobic exercise ("with oxygen") is sustained, moderate-intensity activity (e.g., jogging, swimming) that improves cardiovascular endurance and burns fat. Anaerobic exercise ("without oxygen") consists of short, high-intensity bursts (e.g., sprinting, lifting) that build muscle, power, and bone density.