Urban Zen Center: Dr. Mark Hyman Speaks On Diabesity
(Originally posted on urbanzen.org, Nov 10, 2010)
Mark Hyman, MD Returns to Urban Zen: A Functional Medicine Approach to Reversing Diabesity and Chronic Disease
The Urban Zen Center was honored to welcome back Mark Hyman, MD, a visionary leader in functional medicinewho lovingly refers to Urban Zen as his "second home." On October 30, 2010, a packed studio gathered in the heart of New York City’s West Village for a full-day workshop on one of the most urgent health crises of our time: Diabesity—a metabolic epidemic at the intersection of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Hyman, a best-selling author and founder of The UltraWellness Center, delivered a compelling, science-backed message: chronic disease is not inevitable—and it is often reversible through lifestyle and systems-based medicine.
Understanding Diabesity: A National Health Crisis
“Diabesity” is the term Dr. Hyman uses to describe a spectrum of metabolic dysfunction that ranges from mild blood sugar imbalances to full-blown type 2 diabetes. And the numbers are staggering:
Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans are classified as overweight or obese.
1 in 3 military volunteers is considered unfit for service due to obesity.
Children today may be the first generation not expected to outlive their parents.
This epidemic isn’t just a public health concern—it’s been labeled a national security threat by military leaders.
Dr. Hyman challenged us to rethink what we’ve been told about health and disease. The problem, he explained, is not genetic fate or bad luck—it’s the failure of conventional medicine to address the root causes of chronic disease. Instead of masking symptoms, we must treat the whole system. That’s where functional medicine steps in.
Functional Medicine: Treating Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Throughout the day, Dr. Hyman introduced key concepts that underpin his functional medicine approach, including:
Epigenetics & Nutrigenomics: We may carry genes for disease, but lifestyle choices can influence whether those genes are expressed. By addressing nutrient intake, inflammation, and cellular stress, we can “turn down” harmful genes and “turn up” healing ones.
Mitochondrial Health: These tiny energy factories in our cells are central to vitality. Supporting mitochondrial function through diet, detoxification, and stress reduction is essential for reversing chronic illness.
Oxidative Stress & Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to metabolic breakdown. Dr. Hyman explained how toxins, allergens, infections, poor diet, and stress can all contribute to this hidden form of cellular damage.
The Power of Lifestyle Medicine: Dr. Hyman’s Protocol
After a delicious low-glycemic, nutrient-dense lunch, Dr. Hyman offered practical tools for creating a personal “metabolic tune-up” and restoring balance to the body. Here’s what he encourages clients to evaluate and optimize:
Environmental toxins (including plastics, heavy metals, mold)
Undiagnosed food sensitivities (such as gluten or dairy)
Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones)
Latent infections and gut dysbiosis
Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins)
Chronic stress and poor sleep hygiene
Impaired digestion and microbiome health
Inflammation and blood sugar dysregulation
This whole-systems view empowers individuals to become active participants in their healing journey. As Dr. Hyman reminded us: “The body knows how to heal—if we give it the right conditions.”
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dr. Hyman’s Personal Story
Dr. Hyman didn’t just speak from the podium—he spoke from experience. He shared his own journey through a health crisis so severe, he once couldn’t remember what his patients were saying during sessions. It was through functional medicine that he restored his own vitality, and today he lives—and teaches—with renewed purpose.
His humor, humility, and deep knowledge made the science feel accessible. Far from being “just another wellness guru,” Dr. Hyman embodies what he teaches: resilience, integrity, and hope for those navigating the chronic illness labyrinth.
About Dr. Mark Hyman
Dr. Hyman is a family physician, founder and medical director of The UltraWellness Center, and chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine. He’s also a board member of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, an advisor to Dr. Oz’s HealthCorps, and a former nominee to the President’s Advisory Group on Prevention and Integrative Health. A passionate advocate for healthcare reform, Dr. Hyman uses education, public policy, and clinical practice to transform how we understand and treat disease.
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