Weight is a chronic condition worldwide. Individuals seek to improve well being and quality of life. With so many quick fix solutions, a registered dietitian is invaluable as experts in food and nutrition in achieving lasting healthy weight loss.
Personalized Nutrition Plan
We all have a unique body and different nutritional needs, preferences and metabolism. A dietitian is able to create a tailored nutrition plan that aligns with a person’s health, lifestyle and medical history. There are many generic diets that individuals follow which may not be one size fits all. The role of a dietitian is to assess the needs of the individual and design a personalised plan which helps to promote gradual weight loss.
The plan can ensure a right balance of nutrients are consumed to support energy levels, enhance metabolism and prevent deficiencies.
Accurate Advice
We live in a time where information can be accessed from many engines of knowledge and can prove to provide conflicting advice about weight loss. Popular diets often promise quick results which can lead to immediate but not long lasting results. Some quick weight loss diets can lead to nutritional imbalance and health risks.
Dietitian advice relies on evidence/scientific methods to guide individuals through their weight loss journey. The recommendations are based on research and clinical experience whilst ensuring advice is safe, effective and sustainable. It is important to avoid fad diets as they can cause harm and lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.
Addressing Health Concerns
Weight gain and the challenge of losing that weight can sometimes be due to underlying health conditions. These could be due to mental health concerns, hormonal imbalance, digestive disorders and emotional eating habits. A dietitian is educated in working closely to identify the potential barriers and address them in a nutrition filled way.
Individuals who may struggle with diabetes and weight loss, can be guided how to manage insulin resistance further individuals with digestive concerns can be taught how to tackle food sensitivities. There are ways a dietitian is able to work on emotional triggers when it comes to overeating, and in cases of disordered eating. A dietitian is able to provide a holistic approach that overlooks the calorie counting and goes beyond.
Addressing Environmental and Behavioural Concerns
There are many environmental and behavioural barriers which can hinder weight loss. A dietitian is able to help identify these barriers and can help address them. Environmental barriers can be the food quality, social norms and traditions, location of the individual (further away from gyms etc), and the environment at work or school.
Behavioural barriers are more so our habits, attitudes and our response to situations all in connection to food.
Behaviour concerns
Our eating habits are not always that easy to change and can be a struggle when staying consistent. A dietitian is able to offer more than just nutritional advice, and can help manage a way of life through ongoing support and accountability.
The help of regular check ins, guidance on portion control and strategies to overcome emotional eating help keep individuals on track to weight loss. This support is crucial in maintaining long term success as weight loss is often a gradual process and requires commitment and life changes and not short term fixes.
Long term achievement
One of the most common issues with weight loss programs is that once the weight loss is achieved, people tend to revert to old habits. Without a solid base, it can be easy to fall into old habits which can lead to frustration and the yo-yo cycle of dieting.
With the knowledge a dietitian teaches patients to maintain their progress by incorporating balanced eating habits that are individualised to fit their life. Furthermore, strategies for meal planning, portion control and making healthier choices in social or high stress situations ensure long term weight loss.
Preventing Malnutrition and Deficiencies
By participating in quick diets and rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to malnutrition or deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Dietitians help individuals receive all the nutrients in a calorie reduction diet. This can help individuals create their own plan to meet the protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals recommendations. The plan can help prevent potential health issues that can arise from imbalance.
A Customised support
There are individuals who require a more specialised diet plan whilst managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular health or simple food allergies. A dietitian can help navigate the restrictions in these cases and help achieve weight loss goals in a safe and effective manner.
Consulting a dietitian
There is undoubtedly a crucial role played by dietitians in guiding patients through their weight loss journeys. They help you overcome barriers, maintain long term healthy habits and achieve weight loss in a sustainable way. Consulting a dietitian would mean the focus is not only on losing the kilograms but promoting overall health and well being.
**This article was reviewed by Caiti Kapernick , a clinically registered dietitian, for accuracy and expert insight.
