Dr Karen L Hartzenberg

Dr Karen L Hartzenberg Medical Doctor
Lifestyle Medicine Specialist
Aesthetic Medicine Practitioner What is Lifestyle Medicine? What is Aesthetic Medicine? Can't I go to a dietitian?

Dr Karen L Hartzenberg obtained her MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town in 2008. She completed her internship and community service through the South African Military Health Service and practiced as a general practitioner and emergency medicine medical officer for a number of years. She completed her Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in 2012

. She completed her Master of Clinical Practice specializing in Lifestyle Medicine at the end of 2013. She has a passion for health promotion and prevention of ill health through lifestyle and behavioural interventions. It is a well-recognized fact that many diseases like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, arthritis, stroke and depression may be prevented or treated through lifestyle change. Dr Hartzenberg combines traditional pharmacological treatment (medication) with counseling and nutrition and physical activity interventions that are client-specific to support her patients to improve their health. She also uses minimally invasive aesthetic procedures like Botox, fillers, chemical peels, derma-rolling and mesotherapy to help her patients look their best. Beauty should be a reflection of health, and Dr Hartzenberg aims to assist her patients to achieve optimal well-being inside and out. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is a branch of medicine, in the same way that surgery or paediatrics or psychiatry are all branches of medicine. Lifestyle Medicine is the use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions to treat and prevent lifestyle-related diseases. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and life skills to make effective behaviour changes that address the underlying causes of disease. Lifestyle Medicine is concerned predominantly with management of health problems related to unhealthy lifestyle, these include:

weight problems and obesity
diabetes
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
heart disease
joint disease
stress
sleep problems

LM is also concerned with the prevention of ill health, and the promotion of optimal well-being. Lifestyle Medicine aims to address the cause of ill health, which often relates to how one lives one's life. Aesthetic Medicine is a field of medical practice that involves minimally invasive procedures to improve the appearance, especially of the face, neck, and hands. Commonly used interventions include botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, fillers, chemical peels, skin conditioning and mesotherapy. Specific concerns that may be addressed by aesthetic medicine interventions include:

Signs of ageing
Wrinkles
Pigmentation problems
Acne and other scars
Sagging or loose skin
Dry or dull-looking skin
Asymmetry
Cellulite



Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lifestyle Medicine 'Real' medicine? Lifestyle Medicine can only be practised by health professionals - either doctors or registered nurses under the supervision of doctors. It is definitely real medicine because it involves taking a history, performing an examination, doing special investigations as necessary, forming a problem list and treatment goals, and implementing a management plan… The same steps followed in any medical consultation. Lifestyle Medicine practitioners prescribe medication when necessary, but have the knowledge and skills to assess and manage the source of many health problems - poor lifestyle. Is Lifestyle Medicine an alternative therapy? Lifestyle Medicine is not an alternative therapy. It is a branch of Western medicine and is practiced in first-world countries like Australia, America, the UK and Belgium. The principles underlying Lifestyle Medicine are based on rigorous scientific research and clinical trials. The recommendations proposed by Lifestyle Medicine practitioners are always backed by science. Do Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe in medication? Lifestyle Medicine practitioners use medication to treat their patients all the time. But, Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe that through changes in behaviour, it is possible to reduce the amount of medication required to keep health problems under control. It is possible for a patient who has been taking medication for years to change the way they live which brings about positive health benefits that allows him/her to stop taking medication. Can't my normal GP do what a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner does? The honest answer is 'YES", however, your normal GP is unlikely to have the level of knowledge and skill in lifestyle assessment and management because of the limited training he/she received at university in the fields of nutrition/dietetics, exercise physiology, psychology and environmental impact on health. Your normal GP is also unlikely to want to spend the time that is required to do a thorough Lifestyle Medicine assessment because he/she cannot charge you extra for his/her time. Again, the answer is 'YES', however a dietitian is trained in dietary assessment and dietary advice only. A dietitian cannot do a physical examination or interpret investigation findings or prescribe medications. What about my other health problems? Dr Hartzenberg is a qualified and experienced medical doctor. She is able to assess and treat any complaint that you would have seen your usual GP about. However, she takes a more comprehensive approach. For instance, if you come with a chest infection, she will be more thorough and go more in-depth about your lifestyle habits, such as… ask around smoking habits and exposures at work that may contribute to your current problem. She will tailor your treatment option according to the nature of any chronic conditions you have. Why combine Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine? It is true that many doctors now practice aesthetic medicine. That is the use of injections, chemical peels and other procedures to enhance a person's appearance. Many do not look at how lifestyle factors contribute to the ageing process. Diet, exercise, sleep patterns and psychological well-being all contribute to the appearance of the skin, face and body. Combining Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine, you get the best of both worlds - health and beauty from the inside out.

From Knowing to Doing: How Margaret and Bill Took Action to Transform Their Health We all know what to do for better hea...
15/04/2026

From Knowing to Doing: How Margaret and Bill Took Action to Transform Their Health

We all know what to do for better health: eat more veggies, less sugar, avoid processed foods, move more, get more sleep... But despite knowing what’s best, why is it so hard to make lasting changes?

Meet Margaret and Bill, a lovely couple who came to see me for help with dietary changes and weight loss. Despite knowing about healthy eating, they struggled to put it into practice.
📉 Bill had fatty liver, high triglycerides, and blood sugar in the diabetes range.
📈 Margaret had high inflammation, insulin-resistance and battled with frozen shoulder and chronic neck pain.
The turning point? Hope! Once they realised that lifestyle changes could improve their health and reduce aches and pains, they took action.
✅ Here’s what they did:
Switched to protein-rich breakfasts
Skipped sugary snacks and simplified dessert
Increased movement with daily walks
Focused on more veggies and lean proteins for dinner

In just 1 month, Bill lost 2.5kg and 3cm off his waist, and Margaret's shoulder pain disappeared! After 3 months, their blood tests normalised without medication!
What’s the secret?

Knowledge isn’t enough. Hope, small steps, and psychological support turned their knowledge into action!
Ready to take action? Start small, track your progress, and celebrate every win.

🔗 Read the full story and learn how to bridge the gap between knowledge and action in your own health journey: https://lifestyledoc.co.za/from-knowing-to-doing-the-psychology-behind-successful-dietary-change/

15/04/2026

À Maurice, rares sont les familles qui n’ont pas été touchées, de près ou de loin, par le diabète, l’hypertension, les maladies cardiovasculaires, le cancer ou encore le stress chronique. De nombreux facteurs fragilisent progressivement notre santé. Pourtant, il n’est pas nécessaire d....

13/04/2026

Sitting is the new smoking! Reverse the negative effects with a two minute exercise snack!

12/04/2026

💉 Weight Loss Meds: Miracle or Misdirection?

Yes, medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work.

But, as with any medical intervention... there are pro’s and con’s and important factors you need to consider before embarking on a treatment course:

🦎 Fun fact: These medications were inspired by the Gila monster — a lizard that eats huge meals and fasts for weeks. Scientists discovered a hormone in its saliva that helps regulate hunger and blood sugar. That’s the origin of today’s GLP-1 meds.

🔬 How they work:
They mimic your body’s natural hormones to:
✔️ Suppress appetite
✔️ Slow stomach emptying
✔️ Improve insulin sensitivity
✔️ Reduce food cravings

📉 Results?
People lose 15–22% of their body weight. That’s rather impressive!
But… they can also lose muscle, feel nauseous, and often regain weight when they stop using the medication.

⚠️ Side effects:
Nausea, bloating, fatigue, gallstones, and sometimes more serious risks like pancreatitis.

🏋️‍♀️ Here’s the truth:
These meds work best when paired with:
✅ Personalised nutrition
✅ Intermittent fasting
✅ Exercise
✅ Good sleep & stress support

🥑 And guess what?
Many of these effects can be naturally achieved with a low-carb diet, fasting, strength training, and strategic lifestyle changes.

💡 Medications are tools — not magic.
If you want sustainable weight loss, it starts with lifestyle first.

👉 Curious to learn more about weight loss drugs?
My latest blog goes into detail about their metabolic effects, benefits and side-effects, and includes a real-life case study to illustrate that lifestyle change should be the foundational intervention and weight loss medicine used as a tool to motivate and cement healthy habits.
Read more here: https://lifestyledoc.co.za/weight-loss-medications-science-origins-and-where-they-fit-in-a-lifestyle-medicine-approach/

Comment below with questions or your experiences!

Celebrate World Health Day: 10 Everyday Habits to Boost Your Health! Health isn’t about perfection, extreme diets, or ex...
06/04/2026

Celebrate World Health Day: 10 Everyday Habits to Boost Your Health!
Health isn’t about perfection, extreme diets, or expensive gym memberships. It’s built through simple, daily habits that protect your body, mind, and wellbeing.

1️⃣ Move more during your day – Take the stairs, stretch, dance, or walk after dinner. Every bit counts!

2️⃣ Stop letting starch dominate your plate – Start with protein, pile on vegetables, and keep starch as an optional side-dish.

3️⃣ Eat until satisfied, not stuffed – Slow down, chew properly, enjoy your meal & stop eating before you feel full.

4️⃣ Make your kitchen support your health – Keep real, nourishing foods visible and convenient. Get rid of junk... Out of sight, out of mind!

5️⃣ Return to real food – Focus on fresh, whole foods like vegetables, beans, fish, fruit, nuts, and home-cooked meals.

6️⃣ Do something every day to lower stress – Even 10 minutes of calm, breathing, journaling, or a short walk can make a difference.

7️⃣ Protect your sleep – Keep a regular schedule, dim lights, reduce screen time, and let your body repair itself overnight.

8️⃣ Know what your health is for – Connect your habits to something meaningful: family, hobbies, independence, or experiences you love.

9️⃣ Stay connected to people – Relationships enrich life, protect mental health, and help you thrive. Eat together, call a friend, or join a group.
🔟 Cut back on what harms you – Reduce smoking, excess alcohol, sugary drinks, deep-fried foods, and long periods of sitting. Small reductions add up!

The magic isn’t in one perfect choice, it’s in repeating better decisions, day after day. And doing better today than you did yesterday. Remember: Your health is your most valuable investment.

Want to read more? I’ve shared more practical tips and ways to integrate these habits into your daily life in my latest World Health Day article: https://lifestyledoc.co.za/10-everyday-habits-that-can-help-you-live-longer/

Myth: fasting means losing muscleReal Story:Michelle is a dedicated runner and mom of two. She came to see me because s...
04/04/2026

Myth: fasting means losing muscle

Real Story:
Michelle is a dedicated runner and mom of two. She came to see me because she had gained a few kilo’s and her energy was low.
When I recommended that she try intermittent fasting, she was reluctant because she thought that fasting would leave her feeling weak and fatigued. Like many, she had heard that fasting could cause muscle loss.
But after a few months of intermittent fasting, paired with her regular strength workouts, Sarah not only kept her muscle mass but actually built more strength. She dropped 8% body fat and feels stronger than ever.

In fact, research shows that intermittent fasting, when combined with resistance training, helps preserve lean muscle while promoting fat loss by increasing growth hormone and norepinephrine levels... both of which support muscle preservation.
Conclusion: Fasting does not mean you’ll lose muscle if you do it right.

02/04/2026

Short on time? Get the maximum benefit with this exercie snack.

01/04/2026

Short on time! With an exercise snack maximise the benefit you get.

01/04/2026

I am simply delighted to share with you my new programme, Nutrition Basics PLUS! Over 90 days, in this series, we will journey through my Udemy Nutrition Basics course (you can view the course here) and I will provide additional guidance and resources directly into your inbox to encourage and educate you.

The Udemy course is divided into 8 sections designed to help you understand the nutritional needs of your body better so you can be confident in making good food choices. Transform your health, control your weight, and enjoy delicious food.

You will:
*discover how your body uses carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
*learn that carbohydrates are NOT essential nutrients and that alcohol is a FOOD GROUP for a number of reasons.
*discover that drinking 8 glasses of water a day might not be necessary (and you will *learn that there's a better way to gauge your level of hydration).
understand why counting calories is a waste of time and mental energy.

You can work through the course at your own pace but as some of the sections are quite intense, each week I will share what content I think you should watch. Breaking it down into digestible portions will allow you to absorb it and put it into action.

Alongside the course, you will receive:
*downloadable resources such as recipes and guides.
*complementary videos digging deeper into vitamins, minerals, different diets, how to meal plan and shop as well as hot topics like snacking and calorie counting.
*case study videos sharing how optimising nutrition helps you with real-world examples.

Together, over 90 days, we will improve your health, vitality, energy and longevity through optimal nutrition! At the end, you will be empowered with skills that will allow you to emerge victorious from the grocery store, without being conned into buying unhealthy foods by stealthy food packaging.

And, your meals will be more balanced, healthy and nutrient-dense which means that you and your family will enjoy better health, improved energy and vitality.

While this is scheduled as a 90-day series, you can work at your own pace and will have lifetime access to all the content you receive as well as the Udemy course.

I really love feedback and questions so you will be able to email me at any time as well as join a private Facebook group.

You receive all of this for launch price of only $15. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Purchase and join here: https://lifestyledoc.co.za/product/nutrition-basics-plus/

23/03/2026

Facing an afternoon energy slump? Have an exercise snack to be reenergised!

Myth or Truth: Fasting puts more stress on a woman’s bodyMen and women are different physiologically and metabolically. ...
22/03/2026

Myth or Truth: Fasting puts more stress on a woman’s body

Men and women are different physiologically and metabolically. Women have a more complex hormonal system than men which can influence our mood, energy, sleep, appetite etc. But, fasting can be extremely beneficial for women, if it is done correctly and in tune with the menstrual cycle. You can learn more about how to do this in my course on Intermittent Fasting, two of these videos are available for free preview here (scroll to the last section of the course): https://www.udemy.com/course/fasting-for-vitality/?referralCode=86027812FF4F9458EEFA

Nisha's Journey: How Hope Transformed Her Health When Nisha came to see me, she was feeling despondent and scared. Diagn...
20/03/2026

Nisha's Journey: How Hope Transformed Her Health

When Nisha came to see me, she was feeling despondent and scared. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she was recently put on insulin — a step she feared because her father who also had diabetes developed severe complications (requiring limb amputations and dialysis) soon after starting insulin therapy.

Nisha’s blood sugars were averaging 16 mmol/L, and she felt trapped in a downward health spiral.

But then we introduced hope — the belief that change was possible.

Together, we made small, sustainable changes:
🍴 A low-carb diet to stabilise blood sugars
🏋️‍♀️ Regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity
📊 Glucose monitoring with a CGM to track progress and reduce fear

In just 12 weeks, Nisha had lost 12kg, was insulin-free, and most importantly, her fear was gone.

What can we learn from Nisha's story?
Hope is the foundation of success — once she believed it was possible, she took action.

Actionable steps like diet, exercise, and monitoring built confidence and progress.
Psychological support addressed her fears and kept her motivated throughout the journey.

How can YOU cultivate hope in your health journey?
Reflect on your health goals.
Identify what’s holding you back.
Visualise your success.
Set small, achievable goals.

Remember, change is possible! With the right mindset and plan, you can achieve your health goals just like Nisha did.

To read the full story, visit: https://lifestyledoc.co.za/the-power-of-hope-in-behaviour-change-how-nisha-transformed-her-health-with-motivation-and-purpose/

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Dr Karen L Hartzenberg obtained her MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town in 2008. She completed her internship and community service through the South African Military Health Service and practiced as a general practitioner and emergency medicine medical officer for a number of years. She completed her Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in 2012. She completed her Master of Clinical Practice specializing in Lifestyle Medicine at the end of 2013. She has a passion for health promotion and prevention of ill health through lifestyle and behavioural interventions. It is a well-recognized fact that many diseases like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, arthritis, stroke and depression may be prevented or treated through lifestyle change. Dr Hartzenberg combines traditional pharmacological treatment (medication) with counseling and nutrition and physical activity interventions that are client-specific to support her patients to improve their health. She also uses minimally invasive aesthetic procedures like Botox, fillers, chemical peels, derma-rolling and mesotherapy to help her patients look their best. Beauty should be a reflection of health, and Dr Hartzenberg aims to assist her patients to achieve optimal well-being inside and out. What is Lifestyle Medicine? Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is a branch of medicine, in the same way that surgery or paediatrics or psychiatry are all branches of medicine. Lifestyle Medicine is the use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions to treat and prevent lifestyle-related diseases. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and life skills to make effective behaviour changes that address the underlying causes of disease. Lifestyle Medicine is concerned predominantly with management of health problems related to unhealthy lifestyle, these include: weight problems and obesity diabetes high cholesterol high blood pressure heart disease joint disease stress sleep problems LM is also concerned with the prevention of ill health, and the promotion of optimal well-being. Lifestyle Medicine aims to address the cause of ill health, which often relates to how one lives one's life. What is Aesthetic Medicine? Aesthetic Medicine is a field of medical practice that involves minimally invasive procedures to improve the appearance, especially of the face, neck, and hands. Commonly used interventions include botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, fillers, chemical peels, skin conditioning and mesotherapy. Specific concerns that may be addressed by aesthetic medicine interventions include: Signs of ageing Wrinkles Pigmentation problems Acne and other scars Sagging or loose skin Dry or dull-looking skin Asymmetry Cellulite Frequently Asked Questions Is Lifestyle Medicine 'Real' medicine? Lifestyle Medicine can only be practised by health professionals - either doctors or registered nurses under the supervision of doctors. It is definitely real medicine because it involves taking a history, performing an examination, doing special investigations as necessary, forming a problem list and treatment goals, and implementing a management plan… The same steps followed in any medical consultation. Lifestyle Medicine practitioners prescribe medication when necessary, but have the knowledge and skills to assess and manage the source of many health problems - poor lifestyle. Is Lifestyle Medicine an alternative therapy? Lifestyle Medicine is not an alternative therapy. It is a branch of Western medicine and is practiced in first-world countries like Australia, America, the UK and Belgium. The principles underlying Lifestyle Medicine are based on rigorous scientific research and clinical trials. The recommendations proposed by Lifestyle Medicine practitioners are always backed by science. Do Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe in medication? Lifestyle Medicine practitioners use medication to treat their patients all the time. But, Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe that through changes in behaviour, it is possible to reduce the amount of medication required to keep health problems under control. It is possible for a patient who has been taking medication for years to change the way they live which brings about positive health benefits that allows him/her to stop taking medication. Can't my normal GP do what a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner does? The honest answer is 'YES", however, your normal GP is unlikely to have the level of knowledge and skill in lifestyle assessment and management because of the limited training he/she received at university in the fields of nutrition/dietetics, exercise physiology, psychology and environmental impact on health. Your normal GP is also unlikely to want to spend the time that is required to do a thorough Lifestyle Medicine assessment because he/she cannot charge you extra for his/her time. Can't I go to a dietitian? Again, the answer is 'YES', however a dietitian is trained in dietary assessment and dietary advice only. A dietitian cannot do a physical examination or interpret investigation findings or prescribe medications. What about my other health problems? Dr Hartzenberg is a qualified and experienced medical doctor. She is able to assess and treat any complaint that you would have seen your usual GP about. However, she takes a more comprehensive approach. For instance, if you come with a chest infection, she will be more thorough and go more in-depth about your lifestyle habits, such as… ask around smoking habits and exposures at work that may contribute to your current problem. She will tailor your treatment option according to the nature of any chronic conditions you have. Why combine Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine? It is true that many doctors now practice aesthetic medicine. That is the use of injections, chemical peels and other procedures to enhance a person's appearance. Many do not look at how lifestyle factors contribute to the ageing process. Diet, exercise, sleep patterns and psychological well-being all contribute to the appearance of the skin, face and body. Combining Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine, you get the best of both worlds - health and beauty from the inside out.