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.

There are steps in the right direction... but still work to be done.
08/01/2026

There are steps in the right direction... but still work to be done.

🚨 IMPORTANT GLOBAL NUTRITION UPDATE TO BE RELEASED 7 JANUARY (US time)

Today marks the release of the new American Dietary Guidelines, a moment that carries global significance. These guidelines don’t only influence U.S. policy; they shape nutrition advice, medical practice, school feeding programmes, and public health messaging around the world.

Despite years of scientific debate and growing evidence challenging the long-standing fear of saturated fat, early indications suggest that the restrictive 10% cap on saturated fat remains unchanged. In practice, this means that foods such as butter, red meat, and full-fat dairy continue to be discouraged, while industrial seed oils remain the default recommendation in public food programmes.

In her insightful commentary, Nina Teicholz Teicholz examines this contradiction in her article “Butter Is Not Back: The Broken Promise.” She highlights how, despite promises of reform and “nutrition flexibility,” outdated assumptions still dominate official guidelines, with significant implications for metabolic health, insulin resistance, and chronic disease.

At The Noakes Foundation, we believe nutrition policy should be guided by rigorous science, transparency, and an honest evaluation of outcomes, especially in the context of the global metabolic health crisis.

📖 We encourage our community to read, reflect, and engage critically with the evidence.

👉 Read the article and join the conversation: https://unsettledscience.substack.com/p/butter-is-not-back-the-broken-promise

07/01/2026

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/

At the start of a new year, many of us will be reflecting on the year that's just ended and thinking about what we would...
02/01/2026

At the start of a new year, many of us will be reflecting on the year that's just ended and thinking about what we would like to achieve during the year that lies ahead of us.

Follow the link below to find the tips on how to achieve your goals in 2026!
https://lifestyledoc.co.za/goals-resolutions/

Did you know that your health is determined by six factors?It’s true: Holistic well-being depends on the following:Nutr...
31/12/2025

Did you know that your health is determined by six factors?

It’s true: Holistic well-being depends on the following:

Nutrition
Physical Fitness
Sleep
Stress Management
Social Connectedness
Positive Psychology

I’ve created an interactive quiz to help you identify ways you can improve your lifestyle and overall health.

Visit: http://lifestyledoc.co.za/lifestyle-doc-quiz/ today!




Start Your HIIT Journey!Ready to get started with HIIT? HIIT is for everyone, no matter your fitness level! Whether you...
30/12/2025

Start Your HIIT Journey!

Ready to get started with HIIT?

HIIT is for everyone, no matter your fitness level! Whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned athlete, HIIT can be tailored to fit your needs. The beauty of HIIT is that it can be modified to challenge anyone, whether you’re doing low-impact versions or advanced exercises.

Science behind it:
HIIT doesn’t just work your body’s aerobic system, but also challenges your anaerobic system (short bursts of energy), which builds strength and power. As a result, you’re not just burning fat – you’re also building muscle, improving strength, and increasing stamina.

👉 Want to know more about HIIT and get started with a 15-minute HIIT workout?

Subscribe now and you will receive a free, downloadable booklet to HIIT training, 15 minute workout video and sheet. It includes the health benefits, intensity guide, goal-based recommendations, safety tips, nutrition guidance and the science of recovery in addition to the 15 minute workout.

You will also regularly receive evidence-based, lifestyle medicine content directly. Relatable and easy to understand, these newsletters will encourage you and gently guide you towards a healthier, happier you! Should you wish, you can unsubscribe at any time.

Click here to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/ih2PMP

29/12/2025

One question I am regularly asked is what vitamins should I be taking? Watch to learn my answer.

27/12/2025

If you get your nutrition right, not only can you reverse medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, PCOS, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, the list goes on, but you can also achieve fantastic levels of wellness, vitality and mental acuity. I designed my Udemy course, Nutrition Basics, to be a transformational journey through healthy nutrition.

The first step is to understand what healthy nutrition looks like! In my Udemy course, you will receive digestible nutrition information which you can apply to your life. It includes videos and downloadable resources as well as delicious and easy recipes to try at home.

Transformation doesn't happen overnight but if you can be a little better today than you were yesterday, and if you can be a little better every day while you are on this journey, you are going to be a whole lot better than when you started!

I'm so delighted to have this opportunity to share my passion for health and living well with you. Lifestyle medicine is a specialized field of medicine, we look at all of these lifestyle related factors that can impact your health and aim to optimize those so that you live a healthier and happier life without the horrible complications of poor lifestyle choices.

The Udemy course is available as a once-off, lifetime access $20 purchase here:
https://www.udemy.com/course/health-and-vitality-bootcamp-nutrition-basics/

Wishing you a fabulously splendid Christmas filled with love, laughter, goos times and delectable treats! May 2026 brin...
25/12/2025

Wishing you a fabulously splendid Christmas filled with love, laughter, goos times and delectable treats! May 2026 bring prosperity and endless joy!

23/12/2025

Have you been told your high blood pressure can only be managed through medication? There are actually many things you can do from a lifestyle perspective!

As a lifestyle medicine doctor, I look at all the lifestyle related factors that can impact your health and aim to optimize those so that you live a healthier and happier life without the horrible complications of poor lifestyle choices. This includes how to manage your blood pressure through lifestyle! Watch the video to learn more about how.

I have written the book “Understand and Master High Blood Pressure” to share with you how small changes in your diet can have a big impact on your blood pressure readings, that certain types of exercise are better than others for hypertension, and some natural supplements have research-backed benefits for blood pressure, so you can enjoy healthier living now.

Transformation doesn't happen overnight but if you can be a little better today than you were yesterday, and if you can be a little better every day while you are on this journey, you are going to be a whole lot better than when you started!

Interested in buying the book? Buy it on Amazon for $7.99 here or enjoy it free through Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/High-Blood-Pressure-manage-naturally-ebook/dp/B0CWFCFVCL/

22/12/2025

Learn about a tool I use daily in my practice, the healthy plate. It is a model for what your meal should look like to achieve optimal nutrition for your optimal health!

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Domaine De Labourdonnais
Mapou
31803

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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.