Episode 164: Dr. Sandy Van

Food Junkies Podcast

Dr Sandy Van. Dr Van is a medical specialist in obesity medicine. She is a staff physician at MEDCAM and runs a virtual Weight Management Program in downtown Toronto. She is not your standard bariatric physician; she has a unique focus on treating not only the physical and pharmaceutical aspects of obesity but also the psychological and behavioral dimensions.

We interviewed Sandy two years ago, exploring how she used her understanding of food addiction and eating disorders with her weight loss patients. Today, we want to focus on the medications, particularly the GLP1s, that are so popular. How has the widespread use of these meds changed her practice, if at all?

Dr. Sandy Van is a licensed medical doctor in Family Medicine and diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the founder and medical director of Haven Weight Management, a virtual medical clinic focused on obesity care. Additionally, she co-founded 3 Sails, a social learning program for mental resiliency in weight management, and is a staff physician at MEDCAN, an Executive Health Clinic. She dedicates her practice to helping individuals achieve sustainable weight loss through psychotherapy tools and medical management.

Dr. Van offers a unique voice for the medical community regarding behavioral obesity treatment. Her professional initiatives have included speaking engagements regarding applying psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for weight loss and providing consultation to healthcare practitioners. She is also a frequently invited media guest on national television and radio. Her mission is to evolve the field of behavioral weight management and effect lasting change in the many individuals who struggle with weight.

Dr. Van received her Doctorate of Medicine, followed by the completion of a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto.

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.