Events on Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity

Nutrition is a major factor in the development of chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer) and to the improvement of hospitalized patients’ clinical outcomes. Patient adherence to a recommended nutrition plan can reduce the risk of or ameliorate these chronic diseases, especially when initiated early in life. Physicians are typically considered medical gatekeepers, and with other medical professionals (e.g., nurse practitioners) are the trusted authorities that patients seek out for dietary counseling, but many may not be equipped with the necessary evidence-based nutrition research results, knowledge, and relevant competencies and practice skills to initiate counseling and refer to appropriate resources and dietitians.