Understanding dietary guidelines and how they can be used to guide treatment

The Understanding Dietary Guidelines and How They Can Be Used to Guide Treatment course provides a detailed exploration of evidence-based dietary practices and their application in clinical settings. Presented by Dr. Lauren Ball, a leading researcher in nutrition and general practice, this course equips healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to guide patients toward healthier eating patterns.

This course covers the development, purpose, and application of dietary guidelines, emphasising their role in promoting health and preventing chronic disease. Key topics include:

- Overview of the Australian Dietary Guidelines:
- Five key guidelines, including promoting healthy weight, variety in food choices, and limiting discretionary foods.
- Detailed exploration of the five food groups and serving recommendations for different age and gender groups.
- Practical guidance on incorporating unsaturated fats, limiting added sugars, and encouraging breastfeeding.

- Development and Evidence Base:
- Insights into how the guidelines are created, including the use of nutrient reference values and food modelling systems.
- Comparison with dietary guidelines from countries like Japan, Brazil, and Canada, highlighting cultural and methodological differences.

- Addressing Chronic Disease:
- The role of diet in preventing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
- Practical applications for improving patient diets to address obesity and nutrient deficiencies.

- Common Controversies:
- Discussions on environmental sustainability, the role of full-fat dairy, and the impact of processed foods.
- Strategies for addressing patient concerns and misinformation.

- Case Studies and Practical Tools:
- Step-by-step guidance on assessing patient diets and making evidence-based recommendations.
- Examples include reducing discretionary food intake, increasing vegetable consumption, and incorporating whole grains.
- Tools for portion size estimation and meal planning to ensure practical and patient-friendly solutions.

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to integrate nutrition guidance into their practice effectively. Participants will gain actionable insights to improve patient care, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic conditions.