Information About Nutrition and Diet Consultation

Nutrition and dietary consultation is an activity of providing information and assistance to patients who want to improve their nutritional intake and diet according to the patient's condition. This activity is carried out by a nutritionist doctor, both with one individual or in groups. Nutrition and dietary consultation is useful for all ages to have an ideal body weight and avoid various diseases, so that a healthier life. This activity is also often done to parents and mothers who care for children because the age of the children is more vulnerable to nutritional problems, such as malnutrition or poor nutrition.

Indications for Nutrition and Diet Consultation

Nutrition and dietary consultation can be done for those who experience malnutrition (poor nutrition) or overweight (obesity). In addition, this is also often done in patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease. But keep in mind, do not wait until you are sick to undergo nutrition and dietary consultation, because nutrition and dietary consultation can be undertaken by anyone who wants to change their diet and nutritional intake to be healthier in order to avoid the emergence of the disease.

Preparation and Implementation of Nutrition and Diet Consultations

Generally nutrition and dietary consultations do not have special preparation. Patients can go directly to see a doctor or nutrition specialist to talk about nutritional problems, eating patterns, or weight problems that they are experiencing. The consultation on nutrition and diet begins with gathering information related to the patient's condition. This information is in the form of medical history, medications that are being consumed, as well as activities carried out and daily diet. Then, the doctor will examine the physical condition of the patient, including measuring height and weight. After that, the doctor will examine the factors that can affect the patient's nutritional intake and diet, which includes habits, education, work, daily activities, social relationships, as well as physical abnormalities or disabilities suffered by the patient. The next important stage is the doctor will check the knowledge (cognitive) and mental condition of the patient. This examination is intended to capture what is in the thoughts and feelings of patients about self-confidence, self-image, and eating patterns that have been undertaken. For example, patients who have nutritional problems might think that their hobbies on eating snacks are common because they can make them calm or happy. This is where the role of doctors, especially nutritionists, is to change the mindset, diet, and habits of patients. One nutritional consultation model adopted by doctors, generally includes four parts:

• First, doctors provide nutritional consultation services that aim to improve or improve patient health and prevent disease.
• Second, the doctor plans the nutritional intake needed by the patient, as well as eating patterns that are appropriate for the patient, both aimed at individuals, and groups. In addition to nutrition and eating patterns, doctors can also plan appropriate forms of exercise or exercise for patients.
• Third, the doctor will discuss with the patient about the goals, priorities, and the expected final results of the changes made.
• Finally, the doctor will evaluate the patient's condition. If needed, the doctor will maintain or change the nutritional standards and eating patterns that are good and suitable for the patient.

The four sections will be carried out in stages. The aim to be achieved is to raise interest and awareness in patients to improve their mindset, change their diet, and exercise or exercise patterns that will significantly influence health improvement. However, this process will not run smoothly, if patients do not have the commitment to make permanent changes to their old habits.

After Nutrition and Diet Consultation

The doctor will advise the patient to apply the information, advice, or input he has given during the consultation session. Patients are allowed to go home after consultation on nutrition and diet. Please note, changes in nutritional intake and diet can be achieved if the following changes have been taken:

• Awareness arises. The growth of awareness in patients to deal with nutritional disorders and eating patterns in consultation with a doctor. The doctor's role is to encourage and encourage the patient to start a healthy lifestyle. Generally, doctors will provide information related to the conditions experienced by patients, for example: in patients with low-density lipoprotein / LDL levels or high bad cholesterol, the doctor gives a warning about what risks can be caused.
• Plan. The doctor will make plans for proper nutrition and diet. This plan is usually limited by a certain period of time, so that the process can be completed at a predetermined time and change previous habits.
• To live. After the eating plan is prepared, the patient is expected to make optimal efforts to change nutritional intake and eating patterns towards a healthier direction.
• Evaluation. Eating settings according to what the doctor recommends, generally must be done for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. Therefore, an evaluation is needed by the doctor to monitor the patient's condition. After some time, some patients may stop following the dietary rules given by the doctor. Therefore, at this stage the doctor will also encourage the patient's enthusiasm by reminding him of the initial commitment made and the goals to be achieved.
• Form habits. Doing something repeatedly over a period of time will form it into a habit.