Dr. Pouya Shafipour
Family Medicine
Santa Monica, CA
25 years experience male
Locations
Doctors of St. John's
Santa Monica, CA
Phone
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Oxford Health Plans
UnitedHealthcare
MultiPlan, Inc
About
Bio
I'm double board certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. I have a passion for treating chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes & high blood pressure with proper nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes and biohacking. I believe in staying healthy to increase quality of life and quality of life of people I encounter in the community and in my practice as patients. I've chosen family medicine because it has given me the liberty to have a wide knowledge of medicine and pick the areas that interest me the most and indulge myself into it. Also being the first line of contact with people has given me the pleasure to see amazing changes in terms of a sustainable quality of life, energy, health and well-being
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Family Medicine
Bariatrics
Doctor Q&A
370 Answers
67 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
300-500 extra KCal: Per day is all you need for your pregnancy. Caloric recommendations are weight, height and gender based. You can look them up online by visiting http:... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: On your height, weight, sex, age and metabolic rate. On average a young male on a very low calorie diet (800 kcal/day) can lose up to 4-5 lbs. In a we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes 80/20 diet: Where 80% of your diet consists of low carb, high lean protein and plant or fish based fat and no alcohol and 20% is rather unhealthy, meaning higher... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 64-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Knee pain: It's the most common knee pain that we see in the clinic. Many athletes and walkers get it and get concerned that it might be something more serious. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Lactose a laxative : Low carb ketogenic diet such as the Atkins diet often cause constipation in the early stages of the diet. Lactulose is a laxative that will probably h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
273 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Probably: It all depends on the amount of calorie that you're eating and the type of carbohydrates. However on a low calorie high carbohydrate diet you run the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: Diet pills are plenty, most effective ones are stimulant appetite suppressants which are harmful in long term to your heart, nervous system, kidneys a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
273 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
No but: Based on your numbers you are not diabetic or prediabetic. However if you consume a lot of sugar and simple carbohydrates and starch. You are at risk ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low carb diet: I've found a low carb (no starch or sugar) ketogenic diet containing about 80+rams of protein and below 50grams of carbohydrate along with mild exerci... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
No: I'm not aware of any reports of leg press reducing your height. In general exercise improves the posture and when done during growth, improves ones he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Both normal but: If you still have symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, dry skin, dry hair, etc. I suggest having your doctor check your free t3, (liothyronine) fre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low Carb Ketogenic: Diet is a safe way to lose weight fairly rapidly. Basically have 2-4 oz of protein with each meal, no starch or sugar (only green veggies and berries ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes: Type 1diabetes is very common in that age group and is not related to one's weight. Type 2 diabetes would be unlikely since it usually happens to peop... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes and : While you're waiting to see your doctor, start stretching every hour you're sitting, get up, move your legs, bend down, then get up and raise your arm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low carb diet: I've found a low carb (no starch or sugar) ketogenic diet containing about 60+ grams is protein and below 40 grams of carbohydrate along with mild exe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Fatigue, sore throat: A single, large lymph node on either side of the neck, sleepiness, nausea, loss of appetite and in some extreme cases, viral hepatitis (when mono is f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Any type: If you're only 3 4/7 weeks pregnant, i.e. Very early pregnancy, you don't have any limitations in exercise. I recommend avoiding contact sports like f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Ovarian dysfunction?: This could be from ovarian dysfunction (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) or hormonal abnormalities. You want to make sure you rule out pregnancy first ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: This could be a yeast infection (cottage cheese, itchy discharge), could be bacterial vaginosis (a common infection which is milky, itchy and smells l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes, and more: I don't see any contraindication to taking probiotics with prilosec. I also recommend taking calcium/vitamin d/magnesium and b vitamins since acid blo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: If you would like to do a low fat, low carb, high fiber diet, i'm assuming you'll be taking high protein as well. Then, make sure you take at least 60... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Absolutely: Diet and behavioral changes are the most important part of weight-loss, however exercise helps lose the fat from the sites that are necessary and to i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
High Protein & Carb: Diet is what body builders use to gain weight (carb loading). I suggest you eat at least 100 grams of lean protein per day (lean meats, eggs, cheese a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Hold Pressure: Scalp cuts can bleed a lot since the scalp has a rich blood supply. I suggest hold pressure on it and if the cut is deep and goes through your skin, g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Ketosis?: This could be from various reasons if you don't eat much carbohydrates and more fat or if your body fay(stomach fat) is high, then your body might be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low carb diet: I've found a low carb (no starch or sugar) ketogenic diet containing about 60+ grams is protein and below 40 grams of carbohydrate along with mild exe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
BV?: These could be symptoms of bacterial vaginosis which is a benign infection treated with antibiotics or other infections. I suggest see your primary do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes: Co2 normal range is usually between 21-31, so your level is normal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Sugar levels?: Night sweats might be a sign of abnormal blood sugar levels. I suggest checking your blood sugar levels to see if at the time of sweating they are hig... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Probably yes: After you take the plan b, a heavy bleeding, like a period (withdrawal bleeding) is the sign of the uterus wall shedding.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: Scar formation depends on the depth of the injury as well as your skin type and your healing process. Usually if the wound isn't too deep you should ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Multiple : Permanent scar, possible infection, possible hepatitis c or hiv, possible allergic reaction or a rash formation and many other complications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low Carb Ketogenic: Diet is a safe and easy way to lose weight. Basically have 2-4 oz of protein with each meal, no starch or sugar (only green veggies and berries and me... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
BMI and body fat: There are two ways. The more traditional way is to calculate your body mass index (check at wellesleymd.Com). Ideal bmi is 22-23, since your height is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Both : Strict compliance with both diets results in significant amount of weight loss in 3 to 6 month period. Paleo diet causes more weight-loss initially bu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
OB, ASAP: I suggest you go to the labor and delivery of your ob/gyn asap for evaluation, monitoring and an ultrasound to make sure you're not going into pre-ter... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
See a doctor: If you've been exposed to gonorrhoea the protocol is a urine test as well as antibiotics for chlamydia and gonoerhoea which usually is cefteiaxone 250... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: Ct angiography consists of i injection of a contrast through the vein and then a ct scan. The contrast is hard on the kidneys and the ct consists of a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low thyroid function: Yes based on you number and symptoms you have subclinical hypothyroidism. I suggest getting a full panel and speaking to a thyroid specialist about tr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
CT and PE: A high resolution chest ct scan can be used to follow up a former pe, especially if you've been on a blood thinner like warfarin (coumadin) or lovenox... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Hypothyroidism : If you have hypothyroidism it's best to take your medication regularly and not stop it otherwise you'll feel tired lethargic etc since you don't have ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Type of food : It's not so much the acid in vinegar but the type of food that increases stomach acid production and causes heartburn. For example lime is acidic but ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Rib inflammation?: This could be from various things most commonly costochondritis or rib muscle inflammation. I suggest ice it and take some aleve (naproxen) or advil. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Stomach Flu: You have symptoms of gastroenteritis which is infection of the stomach or your intestines. You probably picked this up from food or contact with anoth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Hepatitis?: You have symptoms of liver infection/inflammation or hepatitis. I suggest you drink plenty of fluids and see a doctor right away.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Not recommended: Since you're technically not overweight (body mass index 25.5), you don't qualify for prescription diet pills. I recommend following a very low carb, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low blood sugar?: All of those supplements might lower your blood sugar for various reasons. So if you feel weak or tired while taking them i suggest you stop. Do u hav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Low carb: The best diet for losing fat is low carb ketogenic diet along with spinning and yoga or other forms of exercise like interval training. I suggest u lo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: Garlic and onions are both goitrogens, meaning they can cause an enlarged thyroid gland and low function of it. So for a normal functioning or low fun... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Mastitis: You might have developed mastitis which is infection of the breast tissue, a common condition breastfeeding female get. If the area is red, warm, pain... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
10
Recommendations
683
Thank you notes
Feb 27, 2013
I have sent several patient to Dr. Shafipour and their feedback has always been extremely positive. He has been timely with his responses, and has kept me up to date on his care plan and the results. ...Read More
Feb 21, 2013
I have known and worked with Dr. Shafipour former than 5 years. He is a compassionate, caring, thorough clinician. I highly recommend him.
Jan 9, 2013
Excellent physician. Dr Shafipour has an incredible ability to see the entire picture, and treat the person and not only the disease.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I want to gain waight in helthy way i recherch for protein in the internet and the tolde me its good if I respect the dose.80 grs in a day?
HealthTap member
Thank you for helping me but we still have bloating how do we get rid of constipation my grand daughter might be a diabetic I don't no thanx
HealthTap member
This saved my life. Thank You! I have been suffering so long! I dont have insurance so its hard to get answers. Thank you so, so much!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Graduated 2003MD
Medical/Graduate school
Georgetown University
Graduated 1999MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of California
Graduated 1998MD
Residency
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE MED CENTER
Residency
KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL - LOS ANGELES
Awards
Recognized in Medicine, Marquis Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare
Top Family Physician, America's Top Family Physicians
Patient's choice award, 2012
Affiliations
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Society of Bariatric Physicians
The Obesity Society
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