Dr. Victoria Lu, a board-certified family medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist at the University of Colorado, plays a vital role at the CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic. With a deep focus on women’s health in the field of obesity medicine, Dr. Lu is passionate about helping women navigate the complexities of weight management through every stage of life, from preconception to menopause.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Lu contributes to the advancement of obesity medicine through research and education, actively participating in clinical trials and mentoring future healthcare providers. Her dedication to her patients and the field exemplifies her commitment to improving health and wellness.
We recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Lu about her path to obesity medicine, her insights on women’s health, and the impact of her work at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.
Wellness Connections: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue a career in family medicine?
Victoria Lu: I am originally from Scarsdale, NY and was raised by two first-generation Chinese immigrants. My mom is an engineer and my dad is a physician. Growing up, I excelled in math and science classes and my parents encouraged me to pursue a career in STEM. Ultimately, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. I obtained my B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts and then later attended medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my third year of medical school, I started my clinical rotations and was particularly drawn to family medicine and primary care. I enjoyed having longitudinal relationships with my patients and admired my family medicine mentors’ ability to treat entire families spanning across multiple generations. Family physicians are the backbone of healthcare, and I sought a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through education and primary prevention.
Wellness Connections: What inspired you to join our clinic, and what are you most excited about in your new role?
Victoria Lu: I initially joined the University of Colorado for my fellowship in obesity medicine with plans to return to the Northeast after completing my training. However, throughout my fellowship, I built strong relationships with my mentors and colleagues, and I ultimately realized that staying at the University of Colorado made the most sense both personally and professionally. Here, I have the privilege of working alongside nationally recognized experts in obesity and nutrition research while providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue collaborating with those who helped shape my training. What excites me most is the chance to further develop my clinical practice as an expert and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of obesity medicine.
Wellness Connections: You were the 2023-2024 fellow for the Colorado Obesity Medicine Fellowship. How did that experience shape your approach to patient care?
Victoria Lu: Completing an Obesity Medicine Fellowship was the best professional decision I’ve made. It gave me the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in the field and provided a deep understanding of obesity as a chronic disease. I gained firsthand experience in treating patients with complex medical histories and was able to expand my knowledge of obesity related comorbidities by rotating through a variety of both pediatric and adult obesity-adjacent specialties. The fellowship has enabled me to develop a comprehensive, holistic approach to treating obesity, addressing its medical, lifestyle, behavioral, and psychosocial aspects. Above all, I strive to treat my patients as human beings rather than their disease
Wellness Connections: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in treating obesity, and how do you hope to address them?
Victoria Lu: Some of the biggest challenges in treating obesity include the lack of recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, limited access to and insurance coverage for obesity treatment, insufficient medical education and training on obesity management, and the widespread stigma surrounding weight. I address these challenges daily by providing individualized education to my patients. Additionally, I am actively involved in local organizations such as the Colorado Obesity Society, which is advocating for the Diabetes Prevention and Obesity Treatment Act at the state level and the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act nationally. I am also a member of The Obesity Society and the Obesity Medicine Association, both of which are committed to advancing evidence-based obesity medicine. As a faculty member, I I hope to improve medical education on obesity management and serve as a resource for trainees.
"The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing patients transform—not just physically, but in their confidence and overall quality of life"
Wellness Connections: What’s something you’re looking forward to learning or developing further in your career?
Victoria Lu: I am excited to deepen my understanding of obesity in the context of women's health. Specifically, I am interested in areas such as preconception weight management, the impact of weight on fertility, and the relationship between perimenopause, menopause, and changes in weight and body composition. These are critical issues that I am eager to explore further and address in my clinical practice.
Wellness Connections: What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
Victoria Lu: As a family physician, my primary focus is on preventing chronic disease and stopping its progression. As an obesity medicine specialist, I find the greatest fulfillment in empowering patients to take control of their health. The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing patients transform—not just physically, but in their confidence and overall quality of life. It’s not simply about weight loss or a number on the scale. It’s about helping individuals reclaim their lives and instilling a sense of hope. I cherish the moments when patients share their success stories—whether it’s participating in family activities, improving their mental health, or better managing other chronic conditions. Knowing that I’ve played a role in their journey is a powerful reminder of why I am so deeply committed to this field.
