Newtopia – Reinventing weight loss. Experts. Our experts are here to change your life.

Natasha Vani received her degrees from York University in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. She specialized in an athletic therapy certificate program and then moved to a fitness specialization program in her graduate studies. As an exercise physiologist Natasha has worked with occupational and athletic populations ranging from Ontario firefighter applicants to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Prior to Newtopia, Natasha was a regional manager for a Canadian health company where she coached individuals in areas of nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being. Natasha is currently undertaking some studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to become a doctor of naturopathic medicine.

"It is so easy for us to get caught up in the thoughts and worries of tomorrow. One thing I try do every day is to just be present. I set aside time to be outside in nature and as I walk, I am silent. I just admire. Nature for me has always had a way of clearing my mind and of providing me with energy to get through my day and when I am in this state, I am always more productive and more successful."

Dr. Karyn Hood received her PhD in clinical/counselling psychology from the University of Toronto. She completed her clinical training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto; completing rotations at the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Unit, Interpersonal Therapy Clinic, Work Stress and Health Clinic, and the Counseling and Learning Skills Centre at the University of Toronto.

In 2006 she was appointed Director of Psychology at Cleveland Clinic Canada, a pioneering integrative health care facility in Toronto. Here she developed a comprehensive behavioural health department that included a psychology-based weight and lifestyle management program. She has worked with numerous clients to help them achieve their weight loss goals, and received advanced training in the treatment of obesity from the renowned Bariatric Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Dr. Hood has advanced training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), an internationally recognized and evidence-based method of achieving behaviour change, which she applies to her private work with clients. She has integrated these same principles to the Well-being component of the Newtopia program.

In addition to her work with clients with weight issues, Dr. Hood has worked with clients with stress and anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, health issues, stress, and adjustment issues. She has delivered a number of talks and professional workshops, and has been published in peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Hood is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). She is currently in private practice at the Osgoode Health Centre in downtown Toronto.

"Despite my busy schedule, I strive to maintain a balanced lifestyle. For me, this means setting time aside to meditate or relax, eat well, exercise regularly, take my vitamins, connect with friends and family and get enough sleep!
I know I function at my best—with more energy, vitality and a better mood-- when I make my well-being a priority!"

Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua, or Dr. JJ as he is affectionately known, is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Pharmcologist and the Clinic Director of the Liberty Clinic in downtown Toronto. He is also a researcher at the Motherisk Program at Sick Kids Hospital and is the first Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Pharmacologist to practice at the Toronto Western Hospital in the Artist Health Centre.

Dr. JJ is a leading expert on natural health products pharmacology and pregnancy safety and co-author of "Herbal Medicines in Pregnancy and Lactation – An Evidence-bases Approach First Edition" (Taylor and Francis, 2006). He has over a dozen peer-reviewed scientific publications published or in press. Dr. JJ was the Director of Naturopathic Research and Development for Truestar Health where he worked on developing health and wellness programs. He is currently working on his PhD in Pharmacy Sciences at the University of Toronto.

"I try to keep balanced in living a healthy lifestyle by eating better, exercising, taking my natural health products and taking time out for myself to just tune out and relax. Sometimes, however, when I get caught up in the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life I fall off track. It’s thanks to the support of my friends and colleagues who remind me to get back on course. Everyone needs a gentle reminder now and again."

Dr Louis Pérusse is Professor and director of the Division of Kinesiology in the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University. He is a genetic epidemiologist with 20 years of research experience in the field of the genetics of complex diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Pérusse is also the Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, the official journal of International Society of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics. He is the author of more than 400 papers and communications in the field of genetics of obesity and adaptation to exercise training. He is a member of the American Society of Human Genetics, the International Society of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Gilles Lapointe Ph.D