Nawfal W Istfan, MD, PhD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.707216 average rating from 97 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
- Foxborough, MA
Nawfal W. Istfan, MD, PhD is an Attending Physician in the Center for Weight Management and Wellness (CWMW) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut and completed his PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. He has been actively involved in clinical research and medical practice for the past 30 years.
His past research interests have focused on metabolic regulation of nutrients including protein, fat and omega-3 fatty acids and their role in cancer cell proliferation. His current research is primarily related the metabolic problems that accompany obesity such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Of particular importance is understanding how the body handles excessive nutrient loads and how acute overfeeding contributes to disease and cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Istfan has practiced obesity medicine and weight management for the past 25 years. He has vast experience in helping patients improve their metabolic health by diet and use of pharmacologic agents. His most recent publications have focused on the problem of weight regain and racial disparities after bariatric surgery. He has specific expertise in helping patients prevent and reduce weight regain following successful weight loss.
Education & Training
- Fellowship: New England Deaconess Hospital, Clinical Nutrition, 1982
- Residency: American U. of Beirut Med Ctr., Internal Medicine, 1979
- Medical Education: American University - Beirut, Faculty of Medicine, 1977
- Internship: American U. of Beirut Med Ctr., Internal Medicine, 1977
Board Certifications
- Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
Languages Spoken
- English
Age Group Treated
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.707216 average rating from 97 reviews
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I actually was late and he called me to see if everything was okay because I wasnt on the zoom. I loved that.
2026-09-03
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Yes, the doctor was very thoughtful and very thorough. He was accommodating, he's always been very accommodating about the time. He spends plenty of time with me. He has been very flexible about my situation and accommodating about various factors in my life that may require accommodations and he's really been a pleasure to work with.
2026-08-14
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He is very thoughtful
2026-08-13
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Dr. Istfan is knowledgeable, friendly and offers suggestions and recommendations.
2026-07-30
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Dr Istfan has always been attentive, thorough, respectful of my thoughts about my care, and has explained everything about my care in a complete and thorough manner.
2026-06-24
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Always excellent service and great questions
2026-06-16
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I appreciate his experience in this field.
2026-05-12
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Dr. Istfan is a very understanding and caring doctor.
2026-05-08
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None, Keep up the great work.
2026-05-07
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Dr. Istfan is always professional, knowledgeable and willing to listen. He always asks if I have any questions or concerns.
2026-04-23
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Responsive and thorough
2026-04-17
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I've always had great experience with all the physicians. I love the high standards in care that we get from BW
2026-04-15
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Listens carefully with followup questions. Very professional.
2026-04-08
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Dr. ISTFAN was very easy to talk to and answered all my questions
2026-04-08
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He's very prompt and always is up to date on my medical history and the office calls me in a timely manner to make follow-up appointments.
2026-03-13
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Always available to answer questions/concerns.
2026-03-11
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First time meeting, have not formed opinions yet
2026-03-04
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Efficient
2026-03-04
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Dr Istfan was very professional and easy to talk to about my concerns. He answered all my questions and I look forward to seeing him again.
2026-01-30
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Dr. Istfan is always attentive and listens carefully and gives great responses.
2026-01-16
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Thanks
2025-12-16
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Dr. Istfan gave me solid advice, listened to me, treated me like an intelligent person and was very knowledgeable. Office support was great as well. [redacted]
2025-12-11
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He has been helpful and he can be dismissive. I feel like he might have a lot of patients and need to get on to his next meeting. At the same time he has said that I can call him if needed.
2025-12-09
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Dr Istfan is understanding and is proactive. I'm very happy he is my medical provider.
2025-11-25
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Visit was short and focused on telling me what to do more than on collaboration.
2025-11-13
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Attentive, compassionate, knowledgeable, friendly and supportive
2025-11-05
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Very concise and to the point which I appreciate.
2025-10-30
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- Medicaid CT
- Wellpoint
- Aetna
- Tufts Health Plan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Coventry
- MassHealth
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- WellSense
- Beech Street
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- United Health Care
- Fallon Health
- Humana
- Multiplan
- TriCare
- Senior Whole Health
- Medicare