- With Mayo Clinic preventive medicine specialist
Donald Hensrud, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Donald Hensrud, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.
Dr. Donald D. Hensrud is chair of the Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace Medicine with a joint appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic. He is an associate professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Hensrud directed the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic for more than 10 years.
He received his B.S. from the University of North Dakota, M.D. from the University of Hawaii, M.P.H. from the University of Minnesota and M.S. in nutrition sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed residency training in internal medicine and fellowship training in preventive medicine at Mayo Clinic and completed a clinical nutrition fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Hensrud is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, of which he is a past president.
His career interests have combined nutrition, weight management, and prevention. He is the author of many scientific articles and book chapters and was editor of Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody; The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, which won a 2005 James Beard Foundation award; The Mayo Clinic Plan: 10 Essential Steps to a Better Body & Healthier Life; and The Mayo Clinic Diet, published in January 2010.
Dr. Hensrud says healthy lifestyle habits in diet and physical activity are extremely important as evidenced by a large body of scientific evidence. He also says implementing these lifestyle habits is realistic, sustainable and enjoyable. A primary goal of his work is to help people achieve this.
Latest entries
- Fewer calories, healthy food best weight-loss plan
Nov. 5, 2011
- When it comes to weight loss, there's no magic bullet
Aug. 23, 2011
- Get moving and improve your health
June 3, 2011
- Supplement use increases, but a healthy diet is the key
April 29, 2011
- Embrace spring, recharge your weight loss efforts
March 24, 2011
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The Mayo Clinic Diet blog
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Nov. 5, 2011
Fewer calories, healthy food best weight-loss plan
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Weight loss shouldn't be driven by calories alone. Healthy foods are essential as well. continue
6 comments -
Aug. 23, 2011
When it comes to weight loss, there's no magic bullet
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
If a weight loss diet or supplement sounds too good to be true, it probably is. continue
11 comments -
June 3, 2011
Get moving and improve your health
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
If you're sitting in front of a computer or TV, get up and move around. The less you sit, combined with regular exercise, the better your chances of good health. continue
12 comments -
April 29, 2011
Supplement use increases, but a healthy diet is the key
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Popping a pill might seem like an easy way to better health, but in reality a healthy diet is most important. continue
18 comments -
March 24, 2011
Embrace spring, recharge your weight loss efforts
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Try a springtime resolution to eat better, exercise more and recharge your weight loss efforts. continue
1 comment -
Jan. 13, 2011
Don't give up on weight-loss resolutions
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Make sure you have a good plan and set yourself up to succeed in losing weight. continue
23 comments -
Nov. 4, 2010
Questions and answers about the Mayo Clinic Diet
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
You've got questions about the Mayo Clinic diet, and we've got some answers. continue
60 comments -
Sept. 24, 2010
Low-fat vs. low-carb
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
The type of diet doesn't seem to matter as much as your ability to stick with it. continue
15 comments -
June 18, 2010
Share your experiences with diets that didn't work
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Some weight loss programs just don't work. Help others by sharing your experience. continue
43 comments -
May 6, 2010
Take control of challenges to weight loss plan
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Don't let circumstances derail your weight loss program. Take control of challenges, and you're more likely to succeed in losing weight. continue
12 comments -
March 31, 2010
Make sure your weight-loss goals are realistic
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Make note of four key factors as you set your weight-loss goals. continue
9 comments -
March 4, 2010
Share your tips for weight loss
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Share your tips and help each other on the weight loss journey. continue
32 comments -
Feb. 5, 2010
Make your diet a journey through healthy foods
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
When you get into a recipe rut, branch out and try some new foods. continue
31 comments -
Jan. 13, 2010
Positive attitude key in tackling weight loss
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Give yourself the best chance possible to succeed in losing weight by beginning with a positive attitude. continue
23 comments -
Dec. 30, 2009
The Mayo Clinic Diet: Welcome to our new blog
By Donald Hensrud, M.D.
Use The Mayo Clinic Diet to better manage your weight, and share your thoughts and experiences with others. continue
174 comments
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