Ep.185 Loneliness Is the New Smoking: Why Midlife Women Need Strength & Community

Midlife can feel like a perfect storm—menopause, stubborn weight gain, bone loss, shifting identities, and an unexpected rise in loneliness. In today’s episode of Asking for a Friend, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of women’s health in their 40s, 50s, and 60s: disconnection—and why rebuilding community may be as powerful as lifting heavy or optimizing your hormones.

My guest, Terry Tateossian, is a Harvard-trained, ISSA-certified personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats, where hundreds of midlife women have transformed not just their bodies—but their confidence, connection, and sense of purpose.

We talk about:

• Why loneliness is the new smoking for women in midlife
• How community improves metabolic health, adherence, motivation, and emotional resilience
• Terry’s personal transformation from obesity, burnout, and hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women's wellness
• The recurring struggles she sees in midlife women—under-eating protein, chronic dieting, hormone confusion, and the pressure to stay small
• How retreats create safety, belonging, and joy—often sparking lifelong friendships
• The smallest, simplest steps you can take today to feel less alone
• Why lifestyle foundations matter more than ever—protein, strength training, stress reduction, and nervous system regulation

If you’ve been feeling isolated, stuck, or unsure how to reconnect with the adventurous, vibrant woman you used to be, this conversation is going to speak straight to you.

You can find Terry Tateossian at:

https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/

https://www.instagram.com/thor.wellness/

https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get/

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If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

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Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.