UCLA Health

Lara N. AL-Dandachi

Lara AL-Dandachi is a distinguished professional in the field of nutrition and obesity management. Her expertise and dedication to cultivating public health have helped her become a prominent name in the industry. With a commitment to support patients in overcoming obesity, she helps the population of California nurture a healthy lifestyle.

In an interview with Healthcare Business Review, Dandachi shares her insights into her journey and the ever-evolving world of obesity management.

Can you briefly outline your background and the professional path that led you to your current role?

My journey in the field of nutrition and obesity management began when I moved to the U.S. from Lebanon to pursue a master's in public health with an emphasis on nutrition. After completing my master's degree, I became a registered dietitian following an internship at Loma Linda University. My early career included working as a clinical dietitian at a hospital, where I gained valuable clinical experience. After three years, I transitioned to outpatient dietetics and diabetes management, working with a polyclinic that specialized in medicare advantage and diabetes care. Over the next nine years, I achieved the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists and the Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BCADM). I became the only dietitian in California to achieve all three of these board certifications. These experiences have helped me in building a strong foundation in the field of obesity and diabetes. During my initial years at UCLA, I also coordinated the National Diabetes Prevention Program and helped exceed the diabetes control benchmark of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This was when my interest in weight loss and obesity got heightened and helped me focus on the same.

What are some of the significant trends and challenges impacting the diabetes and obesity management space?

The challenges in diabetes and obesity management are multifaceted, ranging from the role of the food industry to the stigma surrounding obesity. The fact that we're still having healthcare providers with little awareness of obesity is concerning. The lack of proper regulations in the food space and the unhealthy lifestyle of individuals are the major problems we face. This disease is even growing in the child population now. Educating both healthcare providers and the general population is vital, as obesity is a chronic condition requiring lifelong care.

Can you shed light on some of the emerging developments that help tackle these challenges?

Emerging trends like updated food policies, regulations for restaurant nutrition facts, and a shift toward the Mediterranean diet are taking center stage. People can now see the ingredients in a food item listed on the labels in restaurants they visit. The food industry is getting better, and there is more emphasis on public health education. The FDA’s approval of promising medications, coupled with proper education and medical care, is transforming the landscape of diabetes and obesity management.

Can you share details of your involvement in any of the recent project initiatives you are part of?

I am currently working as the director of nutrition at the Program to Reduce Obesity (PRO) at UCLA. I work with some of the best obesity specialists and endocrinologists to treat patients with unhealthy weight. We attend to patients on a weekly basis and provide classes on lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and emotional eating.

On a personal level, I am also pursuing a doctorate in public health, and I hope this will further help me contribute to making a difference in the health space.

What advice would you give to your peers and budding professionals in the field?

My advice as a registered dietitian, I would advise you to explore the various aspects of the field. Gain clinical experience, work in different healthcare settings, and explore your options to choose a specialty that you are passionate about. Specialization is essential in such a competitive field. Moreover, continue your education and pursue a graduate degree. Higher education is crucial as the American Academy of Nutrition and Diabetes will soon require eligible dietitians to have a master’s degree. Explore, specialize, and educate yourself to make a lasting impact on the field of nutrition and obesity management.