The Most Important Metabolic Test Doctors Overlook (with Ben Azadi)
You've had bloodwork done. Your doctor said everything looks "normal." And yet — you're still tired, still can't lose the weight no matter what you try, still feel like something in your body just isn't working the way it used to.
Here's what nobody tells you: the reference range on one of the most important blood tests you can run is so broad, it lets real insulin resistance slide right through completely unnoticed.
That's the conversation I'm having in this episode with Ben Azadi of Keto Kamp — and it might be the single most important 45 minutes you spend on your metabolic health this year.
Why This Matters Right Now
If you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or just watching your body change in ways that don't match the effort you're putting in, insulin resistance is very likely part of the story — even if every lab your doctor has run has come back "normal."
This marker is one of the earliest, clearest signals of metabolic dysfunction, and it's also one of the most commonly overlooked because it's not included in standard labs.
It's a simple add-on to your regular blood tests, and most physicians aren't flagging it until it's already a serious problem. This episode is about catching it years before that happens.
Episode Overview
Ben Azadi has spent his career helping people become metabolically flexible — able to burn both sugar and fat efficiently, instead of being stuck as a "sugar burner" who crashes without frequent meals and can't access stored fat for energy, meaning can't lose weight.
In this conversation, we get into the specific lab marker Ben considers the most important test for your metabolism, why the "normal" range on most lab reports is dangerously outdated, and what it actually looks like — physically and behaviorally — to be metabolically unhealthy without knowing it.
What We Cover
-Ben's rock-bottom story, and the doctor's appointment that changed everything
-What "mental obesity" is, and why it may be the real root of feeling stuck
-Why calorie-counting so often fails — and what actually determines whether your body burns fat or stores it
-The blood test almost no doctor orders, and the number most labs won't flag as a problem
-Physical signs of poor metabolic health that you can actually on your own body
-The two biggest mistakes people make when they start fasting
-The four-pillar framework Ben uses to guide women differently depending on where they are in their hormonal journey
Timestamps
[01:15] Ben's rock bottom — 80 lbs overweight, pre-diabetic, and the doctor visit that never asked about food or lifestyle
[06:10] "Mental obesity" — the 60,000 thoughts a day, and why most of them are working against you
[09:46] The index card technique Ben used to rewire his self-image
[16:19] Why "calories in vs. calories out" breaks down — and the real root cause behind stalled weight loss
[19:19] The client who lost 20 pounds in 30 days doing the opposite of what you'd expect
[20:56] Metabolic flexibility explained — and why the vast majority of Americans are stuck burning sugar
[22:34] The hormone that decides whether your body burns fat or stores it
[24:28] Why the "normal" reference range is too wide, and what optimal actually looks like
[25:08] Physical signs of insulin resistance you can see on yourself without running labs
[29:04] Fasting as a chainsaw — why the same tool helps some people and hurts others
[31:06] The two biggest fasting mistakes, and why more isn't always better
[35:01] The four pillars of Keto Flex, and how they shift across a woman's hormonal journey
[39:36] Where to find Ben's new book, Keto Flex, and the free bonuses that come with it
The Takeaway
The most frustrating part of feeling metabolically stuck isn't the symptoms — it's being told your labs are fine when your body is telling you otherwise. This episode gives you a different way to read your own body, even when a standard panel says everything checks out.
Listen & Follow
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Get Ben's new book + free bonuses: ketoflexbook.com
Contact Lisa:
Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/
Disclaimer:
Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.
The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such
advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
