270: Invisible Weight - Impact of Emotional Inflammation on the Body

Episode Summary: The Invisible Weight of Emotional Exhaustion and BurnoutIn this week’s episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky explores the profound impact of emotional exhaustion on both mental and physical health. Emotional stress, often overlooked, can lead to elevated cortisol levels, inflammation, and hindered weight loss. Despite these effects, many hesitate to take time off for emotional well-being.Emotional Stress & Physical HealthDr. Novitsky details how emotional stress triggers physiological changes — such as fluid retention and inflammation — that directly affect health outcomes. Elevated cortisol from stress is particularly impactful on metabolism and weight regulation.Research on Emotional Stress ResponsesDr. Novitsky introduces her current research involving 150 women in the Transform program. The study categorizes emotional stress types and applies targeted interventions to help participants better manage their emotional responses and reduce burnout.The High Achiever TrapHigh achievers often overextend themselves by prioritizing others. Dr. Novitsky shares personal stories of being caught in this cycle — over-delivering and sacrificing mental health. She emphasizes the critical need for boundaries to avoid emotional inflammation and burnout.Boundaries as Emotional ProtectionSetting boundaries is essential for mental health. Dr. Novitsky explains how saying “no,” even when it’s difficult, can protect emotional space and prevent burnout. She encourages listeners to assess where they need to draw lines — with others and themselves.Mental & Emotional InflammationFast-paced thinking and chronic stress often result in what Dr. Novitsky calls “mental inflammation.” She discusses how emotions drive thoughts, leading to restlessness and burnout. Creating mental boundaries helps slow this cycle.Practical StrategiesListeners are urged to take an “inventory” of their emotional health and boundaries. Tools include:Identifying areas of emotional floodingSetting personal boundariesReducing commitments that cause strainRecognizing when the dopamine hit of “yes” becomes harmfulPrograms & ResourcesDr. Novitsky highlights several FIT Collective offerings:Transform Program (72 CME credits, enrolling now for a January start)CME Nutrition Training ProgramGenetics SeriesBeginner Strength and Total Fitness programsMore information is available at thefitcollective.com.Closing MessageDr. Novitsky looks forward to sharing upcoming workshop data on emotional stress types and encourages listeners to prioritize emotional self-care. Protecting your space, she says, is not selfish — it’s essential.Timestamps00:00:10–00:00:31: Intro + Emotional Exhaustion 00:00:31–00:01:24: Stress Impact + Cortisol 00:01:24–00:02:17: Emotional Stress Response + Research 00:02:17–00:03:30: Stress Types + Transform Program 00:03:30–00:04:23: Emotional Focus + Dysregulation 00:04:24–00:05:17: Burnout Causes + High Achiever Mode 00:05:17–00:06:54: Boundaries + Over-Functioning 00:06:54–00:08:23: Saying No + Family Priorities 00:08:23–00:10:22: Boundary Struggles + Emotional Health 00:10:22–00:11:26: Cortisol, Inflammation + Genetics 00:11:26–00:13:03: Mental Burnout + Fast Mode 00:13:03–00:14:28: Emotional Boundaries + Protection 00:14:28–00:15:52: Self-Boundaries + Preventing Burnout 00:15:52–00:18:07: Research, Programs + Conclusion🎯 Ready to Personalize Your Health?Work with Dr. Ali• Beginner Strength Training Program – 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Total Fitness Program – A 12-month mind-body experience. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• The Fit Collective® x InBody USA/Canada – Get 15% off select models. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click HERE⁠