Abstract
Information concerning the nature of nutritionist-patient relationships is very limited. This qualitative and quantitative study examined nutritionist’s skills, attributes, and beliefs towards nutrition counseling during a lifestyle modification intervention program, and whether this affected the patient’s weight outcome. 24 nutrition consultations were observed during the program and the nutritionists were interviewed for their perception on practice (n = 4). A statistically significant difference was observed between the nutritionists in regard to patient’s weight change after adjustment for age and baseline weight (p < 0.001). Key nutritionist skills identified that influenced weight outcome were meticulous investigation of the underlying obesity cause, identification of the subject’s stage of change, and psychological support.
Highlights
Obesity is posing a growing threat to public health throughout the world and places extra burden on health costs
The present study aimed to explore the views of four nutritionists (A, B, C, D) and observed their practice and relationship with patients attending a community based Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP) on lifestyle and behavior change, and whether this affected the outcome of LMP in terms of overall weight loss
The LMP is developed based on the Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) concept and multiple theories
Summary
Obesity is posing a growing threat to public health throughout the world and places extra burden on health costs. According to the Population Health Survey conducted in 2004 in Hong Kong, 38.8% of the population were overweight and 21% were obese [1]. This is a major cause of concern as obesity is often related to other health risks, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and stroke [1]. Common management options consist of lifestyle modifications in terms of diet and physical activity, pharmacological methods, and surgery for the morbidly obese [2]. It has been proposed that a weight management and treatment algorithm should consist of diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy [3]. Studies have shown that the inclusion of a component of behavioral modification is crucial to the success of most programs [2,4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
