What if obesity isn't simply about food?
In one of the most powerful conversations I've ever had on the Optimal Metabolism podcast, I sit down with CrossFit coach, author, educator, and metabolic health advocate Athena Perez to explore the deeper roots of obesity, emotional eating, and lasting transformation.
Athena's story begins long before she reached nearly 500 pounds. She shares how childhood trauma shaped her relationship with food, why lasting healing required far more than losing weight, and how addressing her emotional health became just as important as improving her physical health.
We also take a fascinating deep dive into Athena's experience completing multiple 40-day fasts. She openly discusses why she chose such an extended fast, what happened to her body and mind throughout the process, how she approached refeeding afterward, and whether she believes prolonged fasting helped reset her metabolism.
This episode isn't about promoting extreme fasting. It's about understanding the complex relationship between trauma, metabolism, behavior change, and healing. Whether you've struggled with weight, emotional eating, insulin resistance, or simply want to better understand the human side of obesity, I believe this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Athena's journey from nearly 500 pounds to becoming a CrossFit coach and educator
- The connection between childhood trauma and lifelong struggles with obesity
- Why healing emotional wounds was just as important as changing nutrition habits
- The decision to complete a 40-day fast
- What happened physically, mentally, and emotionally during the fast
- Whether prolonged fasting can "reset" metabolism
- The often-overlooked importance of the refeeding process
- What Athena learned about true hunger versus emotional hunger
- Common misconceptions about obesity and larger-bodied athletes
- Why sustainable healing goes far beyond the number on the scale
Connect with Athena Perez
Website: https://www.athenamperez.com
Instagram: @athenamperez
Learn more about Scaled Nation Training and Athena's educational resources for coaches and healthcare professionals.
Connect with Shana Hussin
Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/
Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn
Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness
Shana's 90-Day Metabolic Reset, COMPASS
