Jenny Arussi, MS, RDN

Jenny Arussi, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and obesity specialist, plays a key role in UCLA Health’s Program for Reducing Obesity (PRO) in Thousand Oaks. She provides patients with education, resources, and personalized guidance to help them on their weight loss journeys. Through weekly classes, Jenny teaches evidence-based strategies for improving eating habits and achieving sustainable lifestyle changes. Patients value her support, as well as the opportunity to learn from the shared experiences of others, while progressing toward their personal goals at their own pace.

Jenny’s commitment to helping individuals with obesity began over 20 years ago at the renowned Cedars-Sinai Center for Weight Loss, where she was instrumental in developing both the non-surgical and surgical weight loss programs. Her dedication remains steadfast, as she continues to enhance her skills through ongoing professional development, including training in motivational interviewing, mindfulness interventions (Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training – MB-EAT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), equipping her to effectively support patients in overcoming emotional eating and binge eating challenges. Driven by her insatiable desire for learning and sharing knowledge, Jenny also served as a Nutrition Lecturer at Santa Monica College, where she educated and inspired students who were intrigued by the fundamentals of nutrition science.  

Jenny’s passion for health and nutrition was deeply rooted in her own experiences with weight challenges and her father’s journey with obesity.  She subsequently pursued her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at California State University, Long Beach, and went on to earn a Master of Science in Human Nutrition. Outside of her professional life, Jenny is a proud mother of two talented young adult sons and finds joy in witnessing their growth and creativity, especially through their musical compositions and performances.