The Truth About Weight Gain and Trauma: Why Hormone Coaches Are Missing the Point

We’ve all seen it—coaches and so-called “experts” popping up everywhere, preaching that the secret to weight loss lies in managing your hormones, especially cortisol. Don’t get me wrong, hormones do play a role in weight regulation, but let’s get one thing straight: treating hormones as the root cause of your weight gain is like slapping a band-aid on a bullet wound. 

The REAL culprit? Trauma. 

The Science of Weight Gain and Trauma

When we talk about trauma, we’re not just talking about those big, life-altering events. It’s the chronic stress, the daily grind, the unhealed wounds from the past—all of it contributes to how your body holds onto weight. Trauma gets stored in the body, and it alters the way our brain functions, particularly the limbic system, which controls our stress responses. This triggers a cascade of hormonal responses, including the release of cortisol, the infamous stress hormone.

But here’s the kicker: cortisol is not the problem; it’s a symptom. Your body’s not malfunctioning—it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do to keep you safe in the face of perceived danger. The real issue is that trauma is keeping your body in a constant state of “fight or flight,” making it almost impossible to shed the pounds, no matter how many “cortisol-reducing” supplements you take. 

Why Hormone Coaches Are Missing the Mark

Hormone coaches focus on balancing cortisol, often through diets, supplements, and lifestyle tweaks. While these approaches might offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying issue—unresolved trauma. Think about it: If you’re constantly battling an inner storm of unhealed emotions, no amount of happy juice or yoga is going to make a lasting difference.

Trauma is a complex beast that rewires your brain and body. It keeps your nervous system on high alert, prompting your body to store fat as a protective mechanism. Until you confront and heal the trauma, your body will continue to hold onto that weight, no matter what you do.

The Reality of Menopause - Peri & Post

Let’s talk about peri and post-menopause, a stage of life that many women dread because of the notorious weight gain that seems to come with it. But here’s the truth: those extra pounds aren’t just a result of shifting hormones. Sure, menopause brings changes, but they aren't the sole reason for your weight gain. Trauma, stress, and unresolved emotional pain can amplify these effects, keeping your body stuck in survival mode. If you're not addressing these underlying issues, no hormone-balancing act will save you from the weight that lingers. Your body is holding onto weight as a form of protection—whether from past trauma or ongoing stress—and unless you heal those wounds, menopause will feel like just another battle instead of a natural transition.

Still don’t believe me? I am 47 and just dropped 12 pounds. Piece of cake. Why? Because I ditched the stressful boyfriend, ate healthy, exercised and dug deeper into my emotional healing. 

The Reality Check You Need

Let’s stop pussyfooting around the real issue. If you’re struggling with weight, it’s time to look beyond the surface-level fixes that hormone coaches are selling. Start asking the hard questions: What unhealed wounds am I carrying? How is my past affecting my present? Until you get real about the trauma, the weight won’t budge, at least not permanently. 

Healing is a journey, and it requires more than just a meal plan or a supplement. It demands deep, soul-level work. So, before you drop another dime on a “cortisol coach,” consider investing in trauma-informed coaching, or anything that helps you get to the root of your pain. Because real transformation doesn’t come from fixing symptoms—it comes from healing the source.

The Bottom Line

Your weight isn’t just a number on a scale; it’s a reflection of your life’s experiences, your traumas, and how you’ve coped with them. Don’t be fooled into thinking that balancing hormones is the answer. 

It’s time to dig deeper, confront the trauma, and start the real work of healing from the inside out. That’s where the magic happens. 

And THAT is The Dee Marie Magic inside my program. 

Together, we confront the problem - not the symptom. 

So, are you ready to stop playing small and start living authentically? Let’s ditch the quick fixes and get REAL about what’s holding you back. 

Your body—and your soul—deserve nothing less.