Integration of Healthy Eating Habits and Physical Activity through Nutrition Care Process to Tackle the Obesity Epidemic: A Narrative Review of the Evidence

Background: Obesity is a rising global health problem which is already at epidemic proportions. Effective methods of treatment are required and should be imparted by efficient means to dietitians and other health professionals dealing with weight management. Research shows that behavioral modification techniques are the most effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight compared to diet and physical activity alone. Aim: This narrative review focusses on diet and physical activity behavioral modification techniques to promote effective weight management for sedentary and active adults using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science and Pro-Quest databases were searched for relevant articles. Results: A healthy eating habit is one of the contributing factors to improved health. Physical activities also help improve and maintain one’s health. This article discusses the importance of eating habits and physical activities among school students. In addition, health issues related to eating habits and the practice of physical activities are also highlighted. Overall, the results revealed that healthy eating habits and regular physical activities help in maintaining good health. Conclusion: NCP is a systematic approach to provide high-quality nutrition care. Using the NCP does not mean that all clients get the same care. Use of a care process provides a framework for the dietitian to individualize care, taking into account clients’ needs and values, and using the best evidence available to make decisions. Keywords: obesity, weight control, physical activity, nutrition knowledge, eating habits, nutrition care process

Assessing Global Kidney Nutrition Care

Background and objectivesNutrition intervention is an essential component of kidney disease management. This study aimed to understand current global availability and capacity of kidney nutrition care services, interdisciplinary communication, and availability of oral nutrition supplements.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsThe International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), working in partnership with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Global Kidney Health Atlas Committee, developed this Global Kidney Nutrition Care Atlas. An electronic survey was administered among key kidney care stakeholders through 182 ISN-affiliated countries between July and September 2018.ResultsOverall, 160 of 182 countries (88%) responded, of which 155 countries (97%) answered the survey items related to kidney nutrition care. Only 48% of the 155 countries have dietitians/renal dietitians to provide this specialized service. Dietary counseling, provided by a person trained in nutrition, was generally not available in 65% of low-/lower middle–income countries and “never” available in 23% of low-income countries. Forty-one percent of the countries did not provide formal assessment of nutrition status for kidney nutrition care. The availability of oral nutrition supplements varied globally and, mostly, were not freely available in low-/lower middle–income countries for both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dietitians and nephrologists only communicated “sometimes” on kidney nutrition care in ≥60% of countries globally.ConclusionsThis survey reveals significant gaps in global kidney nutrition care service capacity, availability, cost coverage, and deficiencies in interdisciplinary communication on kidney nutrition care delivery, especially in lower-income countries.