Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar
Distinguished Fellow Recognition by the American Society for Nutrition –
Sukrit Vijayakar and Amit Kothare
Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar, Chairperson of Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech University, has been honoured as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition (DFASN) – the highest recognition bestowed by the society for lifetime achievements in nutrition science.
Dr. Dhurandhar is an internationally recognised personality known for his ground breaking work exploring the link between viruses and obesity.
He has been honoured as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition (DFASN) for lifetime achievement in nutrition science – the highest recognition bestowed by the society
Let us meet this luminary academic personality from our community.
What are your memories of growing up in the community?
Our community has rich culinary and cultural traditions which are with my family even today.
Institutions like the Pathare Prabhu Social Samaj developed the confidence to speak in public.
The Prabhu Tarun magazine, developed my writing skills which stood me in good stead when I assumed the role of Editor in Chief, International Journal of Obesity
I was groomed and mentored a lot by stalwarts like Shri Suhas Kothare, Shri Vihang Nayak and Shri Pramod Navalkar (Pramod kaka) all of whom encouraged me a lot in my endeavors.
I truly believe that our community platforms provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop confidence and skills.
What inspired you to choose nutrition and obesity research as your profession?
I was inspired by my father, Dr. Vinod Dhurandhar, who is considered the father of obesity practice in India. Over a period of 50 years, he treated around 200,000 patients for obesity.
After completing my medical education, I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and help people suffering from obesity.
It has now become a family tradition as even my son Rohan and daughter-in-law Dr. Emily are also involved in obesity research.
Could you briefly share your educational journey and the institutions that shaped your career?
I completed initial education at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, Parle College and The Bombay Homeopathic Medical College.
Later, I moved to the U.S. for an M.S. at North Dakota State University, returned to India for a PhD in Biochemistry at UDCT, and later completed post-doctoral training at Wisconsin Medical School before holding various faculty positions in the U.S.
You had the option to continue a successful clinical practice in Mumbai. What led you to pursue research instead?
Though I had a highly successful practice in Mumbai treating over 15,000 patients, I grew frustrated by the cycle of patients losing weight and gaining it back.
I sought advanced training abroad for lasting solutions, and a conversation with Dr. Sharad M. Ajinkya ultimately sparked my interest in how viruses could cause obesity.
Your work on viruses causing obesity was pioneering. What challenges did you face while pursuing such a new idea?
The biggest hurdle was intense skepticism and opposition, including critics who believed original, novel research shouldn’t be attempted in India if it hadn’t been done in the West.
I persevered because I trusted my data, and the concept is now globally accepted.
Did your research lead to the development of modern obesity drugs like Mounjaro or Ozempic?
My research is entirely separate from those medications.
Instead, while studying obesity-causing viruses in animals, my team discovered the virus improved diabetes.
We are currently developing a diabetes treatment based on this and working toward clinical trials.
You have published more than 200 scientific papers. Which achievement gave you the greatest satisfaction?
The moment that gave me the greatest satisfaction was when another independent research group confirmed our findings for the first time.
What practical guidance would you offer to young people striving for academic or professional success?
Instead of calling it advice, I would share what worked for me.
Three things made the biggest difference:
Strategy — Look at the big picture and decide direction early and stick to it. Course correction can be / should be made, only if appropriate
Perseverance — Continue working steadily, even when progress is slow. This mostly came to me due to my unshakable trust in scientific approach and data.
Listening to Results — Even unexpected at times, outcomes are always telling you something. I tried to learn from them and adjust path accordingly.
These principles are useful in research as well as in any profession
How can students or young professionals connect with you for guidance or mentorship?
Anyone can contact me by email – Nikhil.Dhurandhar@TTU.EDU
I am always happy to share my perspective with students who have any questions about careers, education, or research paths.
We sincerely thank Dr. Dhurandhar for sharing his journey, insights, and experiences. His story reflects the power of curiosity, perseverance, and scientific thinking, and we hope it inspires young members of our community to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
For such inspiring Excellence, Amcha Manach Mujra to Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar