The Medical clinics of North America
-
Both scientific evidence and popular diet trends have sought to identify the ideal diet for weight loss with strategies focused on either restricting carbohydrates or fat. While there is a strong physiologic rationale for either carbohydrate restriction or fat restriction to achieve a calorie deficit needed for weight loss, evidence from randomized controlled trials suggest either type of diet is effective for weight loss. The level of adherence, rather than macronutrient content, is the driver of successful weight loss.
-
Two of the leading chronic diseases are cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. A cornerstone of prevention for CVD and cancer is a healthy dietary pattern throughout the lifespan. ⋯ This article summarizes recent evidence on the relationship of diet quality as measured by adherence to healthy dietary patterns and CVD and cancer risk reduction. Optimal adherence to a healthy dietary pattern decreases CVD and cancer risk; even small changes in diet quality are beneficial.
-
Med. Clin. North Am. · Sep 2022
ReviewHow Physicians Can Assess and Address Dietary Behaviors to Reduce Chronic Disease Risk.
With the growing burden of diet-related chronic disease impacting the public's health, nutrition counseling in a primary care setting is essential and can be accomplished through brief and creative approaches. This article reviews an example of a brief dietary assessment and counseling tool and counseling strategies focusing on dietary behavior changes that emphasize impact on health outcomes, ease of behavior change, and affordability. ⋯ Collaborative efforts in nutrition care, particularly through collaboration with registered dietitians, present a valuable opportunity to meet the nutrition care needs of patients. Additionally, this article reviews screening for eating disorders, food insecurity, and dietary supplement use.
-
Nutrition is a corner stone of diabetes management, and should be regarded as fundamental to achieving blood glucose control. The current advice for nutrition in diabetes management is discussed, with a focus on body weight, macro and micro nutrients, foods and food groups, dietary patterns, and the lifestyle context. More recent evidence on topics such as body weight and dietary patterns indicate flexibility in what can be recommended, which enables patient preference and may aid adherence. Importantly, a healthy diet for those with diabetes is also appropriate to recommend for their families and the general population.
-
Given the importance of poor nutrition as a cause for human chronic disease, it is surprising that nutrition receives so little attention during medical school training and in clinical practice. Specific vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and water in the diet are essential for health, and deficiencies lead or contribute to many diseases. ⋯ COVID-19 has altered access to nutritious foods for millions and increased awareness of the importance of diet and immune function. An improved appreciation for nutrition will improve the outcomes of clinical care.