In 2011, Dr Harpreet Kour, an exercise physiologist and associate professor at JN Medical College, Belagavi, found herself at a crossroads, having a moment of quiet revelation. As she spoke to a young diabetic patient, offering guidance on nutrition and exercise, she felt the weight of his gaze, not a word spoken, but a question hanging in the air, ‘How can you guide me, when your own health seems adrift’? That glance, silent yet deafening, struck a chord deep within her. It was as if the universe whispered, ‘To heal others, you must first heal yourself’. In that fleeting moment, she realized that credibility is not just in the knowledge we share, but in the life we live. From there, her path of reflection began, a journey of transformation that would shape her health and redefine the way she cared for others.

Determined to lead by example, Dr Harpreet pursued further studies, earning a double master’s in Physiology and Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, along with a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. She has also earned a PG Diploma and Fellowship in Clinical Nutrition. She is an American College of Sports Medicine Certified and Registered Personal Trainer, blending her expertise in exercise, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle medicine to help patients manage metabolic syndromes and obesity effectively. “My experience has taught me that every patient is unique, and their nutrition needs must be personalized based on their genetics, medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in effective dietary counseling, as what works for one person may not be suitable for another”, she adds.

Challenging Nutrition Myths
Dr Harpreet faces numerous misconceptions from patients regarding nutrition, particularly fueled by misinformation from online sources and social media influencers. She recognizes that many patients come to her clinic with fixed mindsets shaped by quick-fix detox diets, such as green tea or juice cleanses, believing these will lead to rapid weight loss. She humorously confronts these myths, explaining to her patients that true, sustainable health requires more than a temporary ‘quick fix’.

Another common misconception she tackles is the belief that carbs are inherently bad. Many patients adopt no-carb diets only to find themselves unable to sleep or feeling drained, unaware that carbohydrates are essential for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which regulate sleep. Dr Harpreet also dispels the myth of skipping meals for weight loss, explaining that it harms

metabolism. She helps her patients overcome these misconceptions by providing clear, relatable education, with practical advice, making healthy changes feel realistic and achievable, rather than punishing.

Managing Chronic Conditions
Dr Harpreet emphasizes the importance of therapeutic nutrition as an integral part of lifestyle medicine in managing chronic conditions. Rather than simply treating symptoms, her approach focuses on addressing the root causes of diseases through personalized, evidence-based dietary interventions. For example, when managing diabetes, she advocates for a low glycemic, fiber-rich diet, but also incorporates strategies for meal timing, physical activity, sleep, hydration, and stress management. She recognizes the impact of a patient’s work schedule, such as morning or night shifts, on their nutrition and adapts accordingly. This holistic approach not only helps regulate biochemical markers, like blood glucose levels but also enhances metabolic flexibility and resilience. These sustainable lifestyle solutions enable her to significantly improve her patient’s long-term health outcomes, demonstrating that proper nutrition and lifestyle changes are key to managing chronic conditions effectively.

We need to understand that nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle are not separate entities but inter connected pillars that support our well-being

Integrating Clinical Expertise with Medical Education
As an associate professor at JN Medical College, Belagavi, Dr Harpreet effectively integrates her extensive clinical experience with her teaching, offering medical students a holistic, real-world approach to learning. She believes that bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice are crucial for preparing students for their future careers in healthcare. Dr. Harpreet accomplishes this by utilizing problem-based learning, where students analyze real-life case studies, perform blood workups, and correlate symptoms with underlying nutritional deficiencies. She moves beyond textbooks by incorporating actual patient cases from her practice, complete with photographs, biochemical reports, and daily records, to illustrate the practical applications of nutrition and its impact on physical and mental performance.

Through these hands-on learning experiences, Dr Harpreet teaches her students that the body communicates through symptoms, such as cravings for ice or sweets, which may indicate deficiencies like anemia or protein imbalance. Further, she underscores the significance of a detailed medical and nutritional history, as well as considering cultural, social, and lifestyle factors in patient care. This comprehensive approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of how to apply their knowledge in real medical settings, preparing them for patient-centered, evidence-based care.

“I advise students pursuing a career in both medicine and nutrition to build a strong foundation in clinical science and nutrition principles. Critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and effective patient-centered communication are essential, so I encourage gaining practical experience through clinical internships or research while staying curious and adaptable”, says Dr Harpreet.

Shaping the Future
Looking ahead, Dr Harpreet envisions expanding her practice by incorporating cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions to make lifestyle practices, including nutrition, more accessible and personalized for patients. As an educator, Dr Harpreet plans to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, blending medicine with nutrition and life sciences, to better equip students with patient-centered skills. She believes that the holistic approach to lifestyle medicine will become the cornerstone of mainstream healthcare in the future, moving beyond isolated practices. “I envision a future where personalized nutrition becomes essential for disease management, prevention, and longevity. My goal is to lead this movement to empower more sustainable, lifestyle-focused health solutions”, concludes Dr Harpreet.