DEBRA ATKINSON

Flipping the Script on Women’s Health & Aging

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

Microplastics in Human Brain

The average human brain contains 7mg!

CODE Health

Innovative Formulas

Wellness Pioneers

Join the cast of sHEALed

Daryl Gioffre

Your gut is under attack

Peer Review Revolution

From misinformation to integrity

LATEST STORIES

Debra Atkinson, founder of Flipping 50, is a trailblazer in midlife women’s health and fitness. She believes that women over 50 should feel invincible, not invisible, and has made it her mission to challenge outdated beliefs about menopause, strength training, and longevity. Atkinson sat down with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” to share her insights on muscle health, hormone balance, and how women can reclaim their vitality at any age.

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

The Birth of Flipping 50: A Mission to Empower Women

Atkinson didn’t plan to start Flipping 50—it happened by accident. "At 49, I realized we were losing some of the best, most passionate health professionals because they didn’t know how to market themselves," she explained. "I quit everything to help them, but then realized that if I wasn’t actively practicing what I preached, I would become irrelevant."

She had to choose a specialty, and the answer was clear: midlife women navigating menopause. "These women were told that gaining weight and feeling sluggish was just part of aging. But they weren’t buying it. And neither was I. So, I created Flipping 50 to help them take control of their health."

Why Strength Training is Non-Negotiable for Women Over 40

"The biggest myth about menopause is that it’s all about hormones," Atkinson stated. "But what many don’t realize is that bone and muscle health are just as critical—and they are heavily influenced by hormones."

Women start losing muscle mass and bone density as early as 30, but few are taught to prioritize strength training early on. "If we can get women lifting weights in their 20s and 30s, they won’t have to scramble to fix things in their 50s. It’s about building a foundation early so the transition through menopause is smoother."

She emphasized that muscle isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about metabolic health, mobility, and independence. "Having more muscle helps your body regulate blood sugar, which reduces the risk of insulin resistance and fat storage. More muscle equals better aging. Period."

The Link Between Cortisol, Insulin, and Weight Gain

Many midlife women struggle with unexplained weight gain, particularly around the belly. Atkinson explained that it’s often not just about estrogen or progesterone—it’s about cortisol and insulin.

"When you’re stressed, whether from lack of sleep, over-exercising, or emotional strain, cortisol rises. And when cortisol is up, so is insulin," she said. "If insulin levels remain high, the body goes into fat-storage mode, no matter how ‘healthy’ you’re eating."

Atkinson pointed out that some women make their situation worse by doing too much cardio and not enough strength training. "Over-exercising increases cortisol, which leads to muscle breakdown and more fat storage. The goal should be strategic exercise, not more exercise."

The Fear of Hormone Therapy: Addressing the Misinformation

Atkinson recognizes that many women are hesitant about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to past misinformation. "That 2002 study scared an entire generation of women away from HRT, even though it was later debunked. But once fear is out there, it’s hard to erase."

She encourages women to get comprehensive hormone testing and consult experts before dismissing HRT entirely. "It’s not about forcing women into hormone therapy—it’s about giving them accurate information so they can make informed choices about their health."

The Importance of Community in Women’s Health

Flipping 50 is primarily online, focusing on group coaching and memberships. "Community is everything," Atkinson said. "When you’re surrounded by people who share your goals and lifestyle, you’re more likely to stick with it."

She understands that women often feel like the "high-maintenance one" when making healthy choices. "But I tell them, be that person. Be the one who asks for modifications at restaurants, who prioritizes self-care, and who refuses to settle for feeling ‘just okay.’"

Transformational Stories: Proof That It’s Never Too Late

One of Atkinson’s most inspiring clients, Jennifer, spent decades yo-yo dieting and over-exercising. "She was doing two to four hours of cardio a day while eating under 1,000 calories. Her metabolism was wrecked, and she still wasn’t getting results."

With Atkinson’s guidance, Jennifer doubled her calorie intake, cut her exercise in half, and focused on strength training. "It took time, but today, at 71, she’s stronger, leaner, and more confident than ever. She’s lost over 100 pounds—not by starving herself, but by fueling her body properly."

A Day in the Life: Atkinson’s Own Wellness Routine

Atkinson’s personal health habits reflect her philosophy of balance and longevity.

Morning Routine: "I wake up around 5 AM, avoiding my phone to focus on creativity and high-quality work. I start my day with matcha tea, which is gentler on my gut than coffee."
Exercise: "I strength train two to three times a week, prioritizing muscle maintenance over excessive cardio. I also walk daily for overall well-being."
Nutrition: "I focus on high-protein meals to support muscle retention and stabilize blood sugar. I also intermittent fast for 12-14 hours overnight."
Evening Routine: "I’m in bed early, usually by 8 or 9 PM, because quality sleep is non-negotiable for hormone health."

Where Women Should Start: 3 Key Action Steps

Atkinson understands that many women feel overwhelmed by the amount of health advice out there. "Start small," she advises. "Focus on these three things first:**

Walk daily. "Even just 5-10 minutes a day can make a huge difference."
Strength train at least twice a week. "Muscle is your best anti-aging tool."
Prioritize protein. "Most women aren’t eating enough, and it’s crucial for bone and muscle health."

The Future of Women’s Health: More Education, More Choices

As the conversation around menopause and aging evolves, Atkinson hopes for greater transparency and better access to information. "Women deserve to make informed choices about their health, but they can’t do that if they don’t have access to accurate, unbiased information."

She believes the next decade will bring significant changes in hormone therapy, longevity science, and fitness approaches for women over 50. "We’re finally talking about menopause out loud. That’s progress. But we still have work to do."

Women Over 50 Are Just Getting Started

"There has never been a better time to be a woman in menopause or post-menopause," Atkinson stated. "We can rewrite the narrative about aging. We can feel stronger, healthier, and more vibrant than ever before. And most importantly, we can leave a legacy of empowered, informed women for generations to come."

Through Flipping 50, Atkinson is proving that women over 50 are not slowing down—they’re just getting started.

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.