Are Doctors The Right Diet Plan Creators?

Doctors are qualified to offer dietary advice, and many people seek their doctor's opinion on which diet to follow. However, doctors are not always comfortable discussing weight and diet with their patients, and they may not always broach the topic. Doctors can refer patients to a nutritionist or dietitian for more specialised dietary advice. Nutritionists and dietitians are experts in nutrition and dietetics, and they can provide specific diet plans and prescribe supplements to treat or manage an illness. In the US, the requirements to become a nutritionist vary by state, and some states have no requirements at all. In contrast, dietitians must complete a master's degree and pass a national exam to become certified.

Doctors' qualifications to write diet plans

Doctors are qualified to give advice on diet and nutrition, and many people seek their doctor's opinion on weight loss and healthy eating. Doctors can recommend diets that are suitable for their patients' needs and goals, and they can also provide a "prescription" for exercise. However, doctors are not always comfortable discussing weight and diet with their patients. Research shows that doctors don't always initiate conversations about weight loss with overweight or obese patients, and some may harbour biases towards overweight people.

In the US, physicians surveyed by Sermo, a social platform for doctors, chose the Mediterranean diet as their top recommendation for long-term optimal health. This was followed by the DASH diet, intermittent fasting, and the ketogenic diet.

While doctors can provide dietary advice, only physicians and registered dietitians can provide medical nutritional therapy. A dietitian holds a master's degree in dietetics and can diagnose and treat medical conditions through specific diets and supplements. They have a broader scope of practice than nutritionists, who teach others about general nutrition and food. In most US states, no degrees or credentials are required to become a nutritionist, and they are not qualified to diagnose or treat illnesses or prescribe specific diets or supplements.

Doctors' willingness to discuss diet plans

Research shows that doctors don't always bring up weight and diet issues with their patients. In a study published in the journal Preventive Medicine, researchers found that only 11% of overweight or obese patients received weight loss counselling during their visits to family practice offices. Doctors may avoid the topic due to a lack of comfort in discussing weight, fear of hurting patients' feelings, or a lack of experience in weight management counselling.

However, doctors can play a crucial role in providing dietary advice and recommendations. According to a survey by Sermo, a social platform for physicians, the Mediterranean diet was chosen by 51% of doctors as the best diet for long-term optimal health. This plant-based diet includes a wide range of foods and is associated with lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Doctors also recommended other diets, such as the DASH diet (16% of physicians) for lowering blood pressure, and the ketogenic diet (5% of physicians) for short-term weight loss.

It is important for patients to be proactive and initiate discussions about their weight and diet concerns. Annual check-ups or specific appointments can be utilised to address these issues. Patients can come prepared with goals, food diaries, and questions about dietary strategies. Doctors can then provide realistic plans, dietary suggestions, or referrals to specialists like nutritionists or dietitians.

Doctors' recommended diets

Doctors are qualified to write diet plans, and many physicians order medically prescribed diets for their patients. However, the extent to which a doctor will advise on nutrition depends on their level of comfort with the topic, their communication abilities, and time constraints. Doctors may also refer patients to a nutritionist or dietitian for more in-depth dietary guidance.

There are several diets recommended by doctors, often tailored to a patient's specific health needs. Here are some examples of doctor-recommended diets:

Cardiac (Heart) Diet

The cardiac diet is low in fat and salt, with less than 30% of calories derived from fat. This diet includes egg substitutes and low-fat meats, while fried foods and caffeine are not allowed. It is often prescribed to lower the risk of heart disease and promote cardiovascular health.

Diabetic Diet

The diabetic diet is a low-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein diet that varies in calorie level based on age, size, and activity level. Sugar substitutes are allowed, but concentrated sweets are not permitted. This diet helps manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.

High-Fiber Diet

A high-fiber diet is recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as diverticulosis, irritable colon, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It involves consuming more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and peas, along with drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. This diet may also help prevent colon cancer and some forms of heart disease.

Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diet

This diet restricts total fat intake to 50 grams per day, reducing the consumption of fat, oils, butter, and margarine. Fried foods and fatty meats are not allowed, and it limits the intake of whole milk products, rich desserts, sweetened breads, and pastries. The goal of this diet is to improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels.

Low-Sodium (Salt) Diet

The low-sodium diet limits salt intake to 2 grams or 2,000 mg per day. Foods are prepared without added salt, and high-salt foods like bacon and sausage are avoided. This diet is often recommended for individuals with hypertension or those at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Pureed Diet

The pureed diet is designed for patients who have trouble chewing or swallowing. Solid foods are mashed or blended to a soft consistency, making them easier to consume. This diet is often temporary and used during recovery from certain medical procedures or for individuals with long-term swallowing difficulties.

These are just a few examples of doctor-recommended diets, and there are many other specialized diets tailored to specific health conditions or goals. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet to ensure it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Doctors' recommended nutrition experts

Doctors are qualified to write diet plans, but their primary focus is on medical-related treatments. While they may provide general nutrition advice, dietitians are the nutrition experts on a healthcare team. Dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy, a type of counselling centred on managing health conditions through dietary changes. They provide in-depth and individualised nutrition care.

Registered dietitians must undergo specific education and training to earn and maintain their credentials. This includes a graduate degree from an accredited nutrition program, at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice, passing a national exam, and continuing education hours. Dietitians receive comprehensive education in biology, chemistry, physiology, metabolism, nutrition science, and medical nutrition therapy.

Doctors, on the other hand, do not typically receive extensive education in nutrition. While many doctors may complete a nutrition course as part of their education, this is not a requirement for all medical schools. As a result, doctors may refer patients to a dietitian or nutritionist for more specialised and individualised dietary advice and plans.

In some cases, working with both a dietitian and a doctor is recommended, especially if the patient has a medical diagnosis that would benefit from diet and lifestyle changes. For example, a patient with type 2 diabetes should work with their doctor on proper medications and blood sugar goals, and then consult with a dietitian for advice on diet and lifestyle changes to meet those goals.

The National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS) offers certification for physicians seeking recognition as Physician Nutrition Specialists (PNS). This certification signifies that a physician has achieved a high level of competency and understanding in scientifically sound, evidence-based medical nutrition. A Physician Nutrition Specialist is a board-certified physician with additional training or extensive clinical experience in nutrition therapy. They are recognised for their nutrition expertise and their skills in leading nutrition-focused multidisciplinary care teams.

Doctors' recommended resources for dieting

Doctors are qualified to offer dietary advice, and can be a great resource for patients looking to lose weight or improve their health through diet. While not all doctors may feel comfortable discussing weight and diet, they can be a good starting point for patients, who can then be referred to a nutritionist or dietitian.

There are a multitude of diets out there, and it can be confusing for patients to know which one to follow for optimal long-term health. Doctors can help patients navigate this maze of information and find a diet that suits their needs and goals.

According to a survey by Sermo, a social platform for physicians, the top five diets recommended by doctors are:

• The Mediterranean Diet: This diet focuses on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, and olive oil. It also includes fish and seafood a couple of times a week, with poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt in moderation. Red meat and sweets are reserved for special occasions. Research has shown that this diet is linked to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension): This diet was developed specifically to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart failure. It includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, nuts, and olive oil, while limiting foods with sodium, added sugars, fats, and red meat.
• Intermittent Fasting: This approach focuses on when you eat, rather than what or how much. It can involve full-day fasting on non-consecutive days or alternate days, or limiting eating to a specific time window each day. While it has been shown to have benefits for weight loss and glucose control, it also has some drawbacks, such as disrupted sleep and increased cortisol levels.
• The Vegan Diet: This strict diet allows only plant-based foods and excludes all animal-derived products, including fish, eggs, and dairy. While it can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of certain diseases, it can also result in deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D, calcium, iron, and essential amino acids.
• The Ketogenic Diet: This diet is very low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in fats. By depriving the body of carbs, it forces it to burn fats for fuel. While it can accelerate short-term weight loss, only 5% of doctors recommended it for long-term optimal health.

In addition to these specific diets, doctors may also recommend general guidelines for healthy eating, such as favouring natural, unprocessed foods, emphasizing plant-based options, choosing healthy fats, avoiding simple sugars and processed foods, and ensuring adequate protein intake.

It is important for patients to have clear goals and realistic expectations when discussing weight and diet with their doctors. Doctors can help patients develop a personalized plan that takes into account their specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions