Medical Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss

The term Medical Nutrition Therapy was coined in 1994 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other credentialed nutrition specialists in the United States. Today, medical nutrition therapy is a well-known and successful therapy that can be implemented by a registered dietician and nutrition under the guidance of a doctor. If you are looking for medical nutritional therapy Miami, here’s everything you need to know.

What is medical nutrition therapy?

Medical nutrition therapy or MNT is a nutrition-based medical treatment based on years of medical research on the relationship between nutrition, diet, and health.

Over the last few decades, doctors and dietitians have successfully used MNT to help manage chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, digestive disorders, heart disease, and even cancer.

Therapy follows a personalized or customized nutrition plan ordered and approved by the patient’s primary care physician.

How medical nutrition therapy differs from nutrition education

Nutrition education is very different from medical nutrition therapy. While the main aim of nutrition education is to make the public aware of basic nutrition information, MNT treats specific medical conditions and helps patients learn to manage their particular medical conditions.

As well as addressing existing medical needs, MNT also attempts to lower the risk of new complications in patients.

Understanding the need for medical nutrition therapy for weight loss management

Diet is a critical part of everything that we do. Food provides our bodies and minds with the fuel they need to function correctly. It affects every facet of our lives – from how we feel and look to how we sleep, think, and move around. Medical nutrition therapy is a form of proper dieting to attain and maintain a healthy weight.

With lifestyle improvements, physical activity, and behavior modifications, MNT plays an essential role in reducing the risks associated with obesity and complications associated with some chronic conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Why you might require medical nutritional therapy Miami (for weight loss)

• If you are overweight, you are at risk of suffering from several health problems and could benefit from MNT.

• If you already suffer from certain medical conditions, MNT can ensure you don’t develop complications related to your medical conditions.

• Losing weight too quickly or going on the wrong diet can lead to more problems. That’s where medical nutrition therapy can help.

• Good nutrition can help you shed several pounds without feeling hungry or craving certain types of foods. That is because MNT concentrates on healthy foods packed with nutrients.

• A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can tailor a healthy and nutritious diet based on your current weight and other health factors. They will also monitor your diet regularly to ensure you make good weight loss progress.

• If you are unsure about losing weight the healthy way, a registered nutritionist can guide you regarding what foods to eat and avoid, portion sizes, and the best times to eat.

Some medical conditions that you might be able to control better with MNT

Suppose you are obese and suffer from other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, lung or liver disease. In that case, you are at risk of developing other complications. Medical nutrition therapy can help you lose weight and, at the same time, prevent you from developing further complications.

If you suffer from conditions like some forms of cancer, diabetes, or have recently undergone bariatric surgery, then medical nutrition therapy is critical for your health.

The risks of medical nutrition therapy for weight loss management

Sudden weight loss or losing significant amounts of weight without medical supervision can cause complications such as gallstones, dehydration, weakness, fatigue, constipation, and malnutrition. For that reason, medical nutrition therapy is always prescribed by a patient’s primary care physician and then administered and followed up by a registered nutritionist.

When you register for medical nutritional therapy and work closely with your medical nutrition therapist and follow their advice, MNT does not carry any risks.

How does medical nutrition therapy for weight loss management work?

1. The initial assessment

Before beginning medical nutrition therapy, a medical nutrition therapist performs a thorough nutrition assessment on the patient. Based on the evaluation and diagnosis, the therapist sets new nutrition goals and develops a plan and specific nutrition interventions. The idea is to help the patient lose weight while also helping them better manage/treat their medical condition.

Sometimes, MNT might start during a hospital stay and then continue in an outpatient setting. Or, the patient’s doctor might have suggested a specific medical nutrition therapy plan for them to follow.

Creating a customized medical nutrition therapy plan

A medical nutrition therapy plan for weight loss includes a low-calorie meal plan. For a 1 to 2-pound weight loss per week, the meal plan must consist of adequate amounts of macronutrients.

If the patient must follow a low-calorie meal plan, then the therapist includes nutritious foods that provide essential micronutrients. They might even consider meal replacements.

MNT takes the patient’s food preferences, intentions, and religious, cultural, and social variables. The therapist also encourages the patient to change or adopt healthier lifestyle habits, behavioral modifications, and diet changes.

With MNT, the therapist will consider the caloric value of food, amount of food, and type of food. But medical nutrition therapy might also include a tube or intravenous feeding to prevent malnutrition.

The duration of medical nutrition therapy varies from one patient to the next and will continue until the problem is resolved or the initial nutrition goal is achieved.

2. Follow-up visits

During treatment, the therapist and patient have several follow-up visits to ensure treatment continues as planned. The medical nutrition therapist might make alterations or adjustments if they think that might be necessary.

Every follow-up visit will include assessing the patient’s physical state and nutritional requirements and any other personalized nutrition recommendations.

Follow-up visits also involve educating the patient regarding journaling food habits, reading food labels, watching portion sizes, increasing activity levels, and more.

Are you or a loved one in need of medical nutritional therapy, Miami? 24/7 Home Healthcare, Inc. provides 24/7 non-medical services Miami. Our highly-trained medical nutrition therapists can help create a personalized MNT plan and provide you with guidance and counseling to help you manage your condition better.