The peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia saw many people isolated to their homes, restricting their activity and over-indulging in comfort foods. Diets suffered from gym closures and the continued availability of fast food, and the pandemic triggered many people to stress-eat while simultaneously limiting their access to healthy food. Continue reading “[5 min read] Supporting your patients in weight management” →

The current global health crisis has highlighted the importance of effective nutrition and improved diet in supporting the immune system to fight viruses like COVID-19.

Nutrition is intricately linked to patients’ immunity and their risk of contracting infections as well as their ability to overcome illnesses. Poorly nourished patients are at greater risk of developing viruses and bacterial infections, and people with chronic or severe illnesses are also more likely to suffer from a worsened nutritional status than healthy people. Continue reading “[5 min read] Improving patients’ diet and immunity in times of COVID-19” →

An unhealthy diet can damage the metabolism, cause weight gain and lead to chronic health conditions including diabetes and heart disease. Diet also impacts the skin, contributing to conditions such as acne, ageing and many other concerns that can affect patients’ self-esteem and quality of life. Continue reading “[5 min read] 8 foods to help improve your patients’ skin” →

Did you know that two thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese? Weight, diet and exercise have a significant impact on a person’s health, with obese patients being at an increased risk for developing many medical conditions, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, gallbladder disease, gout, and osteoarthritis. Continue reading “[5 min read] 9 ways to support your patients in weight loss” →

A lack of energy can impact your patients’ day-to-day lives and make them less productive. The type and amount of food they eat plays an important role in energy levels; eating the right nutrients can help beat fatigue and maintain alertness and focus throughout the day, while also providing more general health benefits. Continue reading “[3 min read] Helping your patients boost energy levels with effective nutrition” →

Omega-3 fatty acids have many powerful health benefits for both the body and the brain. So, what are some of the top science-based health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for your patients? Continue reading “[5 min read] Top 10 health benefits of omega-3 for your patients” →

You may have noticed more patients mentioning the ketogenic (or keto) diet in the past few years. It is a low-carb, high-fat eating pattern that has become increasingly popular. But does it work for weight loss?

While some research supports the idea that the keto diet can help reduce body fat, long-term studies into its effectiveness are lacking. Continue reading “[5 min read] Does the keto diet work for weight loss?” →

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” →