Professor Liz Isenring, Head of Bond University’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program, discusses why Medical Nutrition Management is the must-know information for GPs wanting to address underlying conditions and work towards solutions that will improve patient outcomes. Continue reading “[WEBINAR] Medical Nutrition Management with Prof Liz Isenring, Bond University” →

Each year, one in five Australians adults experience a mental health disorder. In 2011, mental illness and substance use disorders accounted for 12.1 per cent of our national total disease burden – the third highest group of diseases behind cancer and cardiovascular disease.

It is difficult to quantify the contribution of eating disorders to these statistics because they are derived from national surveys of mental health in which eating disorders are neither included nor accounted for. In fact, eating disorders have been excluded from the standard processes and responses regarding mental illness for some time. Continue reading “[8 min read] Eating disorders: Changes to the MBS and GP care” →

A lack of education in medical nutrition management is leaving new doctors unprepared for addressing Australia’s growing obesity crisis.

An international study led by a Queensland scientist has found that graduate doctors are entering the workforce under-equipped to tackle Australia’s biggest health issue. Continue reading “[5 min read] Doctors untrained in managing obesity and patient nutrition” →

Skin-related concerns make up 11.5 per cent of GP consultations. Many patients believe popular myths about skincare, especially in relation to how their diet can affect their skin. These patients often follow home remedies that do little to solve their skin problems, and it is sometimes the GP’s role to intervene and debunk patients’ misconceptions. Here are six widespread beliefs about the diet-skin link. Continue reading “[5 min read] 6 myths your patients may believe about the diet-skin link” →

Obesity rates in Australia are high with nearly two thirds of adults being classified as obese. Obesity is associated with several comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, and osteoarthritis, and is consequently linked with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, cancer, functional impairment, and premature death. Continue reading “[11 min read] Managing bariatric surgery patients in primary care” →

Can you adequately manage the particular nutrition needs of your elderly patients? Although nutrition is important throughout the life span, it is especially foundational for healthy ageing. The consequences of inadequate nutrition in ageing patients include decreased immune function, poor skin integrity, and loss of independence. Continue reading “[6 min read] Managing the nutrition needs of elderly patients in primary care” →

Observational studies and clinical trials conducted over nearly 40 years have revealed the health benefits of eating at least 25-29 grams of dietary fibre a day. Continue reading “[3 min read] Dietary fibre lowers patients’ risk of diet-related diseases” →

Professor Liz Isenring, Head of Bond University’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program, discusses why Medical Nutrition Management is the must-know information for GPs wanting to address underlying conditions and work towards solutions that will improve patient outcomes. Continue reading “[WEBINAR] Medical Nutrition Management with Prof Liz Isenring” →

The World Health Organisation reports that there is a strong relationship between diet and some major chronic diseases. Here are just five of the conditions general practitioners commonly see in primary care that can be better managed when patients receive effective medical nutrition support from their GP. Continue reading “[6 min read] 5 conditions better managed with nutrition care in general practice” →

As a general practitioner, you are in an ideal position to talk with patients about weight management. Here is how you can address this sensitive topic in your day to day practice.

Why talk with your patients about their weight?
Around 63 per cent of Australian adults are obese. Excess weight puts people at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, cancer, and a host of other chronic conditions. Research shows that even a modest weight loss of 5 per cent can be beneficial to a patient’s health. Continue reading “[8 min read] Talking to your patients about weight management” →