Welcome back, friends!

I used to believe my metabolism was just “slow.” Growing up as a chubby kid, my mom told me that was just the way I was — that my body simply didn’t work like everyone else’s. Maybe you’ve been told the same thing.

In this episode of More Than a Number, I open up about what I’ve learned since then — that metabolism isn’t an organ, it’s not “broken,” and your DNA isn’t your destiny. While genetics play a role in your body’s tendencies, your environment, habits, and choices have far more influence than you might think.

We’ll unpack why it’s not just about what you eat or how much you move — it’s also about who you spend your time with, where you spend it, and how those surroundings can either pull you forward or keep you stuck.

• The myth of a “slow metabolism” — and what metabolism really means

• The truth behind “genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger”

• Why giving in to “it’s just my DNA” robs you of your power

• How your surroundings — people, places, and daily routines — shape your health more than you realize

• The “eating buddy” trap: how well-meaning relationships can keep you in old habits

• A real-life story from one of my bariatric support group patients who learned to spot and distance herself from a saboteur

• Practical ways to engineer your environment for success:

  1. Lay out your gym clothes the night before

  2. Keep trigger foods out of reach

  3. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher

  4. Be the change — you might inspire your friends to join you

  5. Find supportive communities that share your goals

It’s easy to feel powerless when weight struggles run in the family — but your genetics are not a life sentence. You do have a choice. By taking ownership of your environment, your relationships, and your mindset, you can create conditions that help your body — and your habits — work for you instead of against you.

Because lasting weight loss isn’t just about changing your food — it’s about changing your surroundings and your support system.

Your metabolism isn’t the problem — your environment might be. The people you spend time with, the routines you follow, and the spaces you live in all influence your health more than you realize. You can’t control your DNA, but you can control your direction.

🎧 Listen now to hear the full story — including how one woman learned to say no to sabotaging relationships, and how you can start creating an environment that supports your goals starting today.

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