Many people still think consulting a clinical nutritionist is only necessary when they're sick or have a health problem. However, consulting a nutritionist can help prevent illness.
Clinical nutritionists play a three-pronged role. They provide initial support to prevent illness. They also assist with therapy when health issues arise or when a patient experiences functional decline. Finally, they help prevent the patient's condition from worsening.
In my practice, I've seen many patients come to me to gain or lose weight. However, if someone feels they've managed a healthy diet and exercise routine but their weight is still the same, they can consult a professional to help them achieve their desired weight.
This way, you can identify the error, whether it's the amount of food, the composition, or the timing of the meal.
Nutritional Needs of Each Person
Nutritional intake requirements can be tailored to the patient's condition, as each person's nutritional needs are individual.
Recommendations from social media or health books are general and may not always be tailored to individual needs. Everyone has a different body type, lifestyle, and response to diet.
Physical Examination and Laboratory Tests
During a nutrition consultation, the assessment doesn't just focus on weight. A clinical nutritionist can perform body composition measurements using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine the percentage of muscle, fat, and visceral fat, as well as basic daily calorie requirements.
In addition, laboratory tests, including blood tests, are performed. Based on all this data, the nutritionist then develops more appropriate dietary and activity recommendations, tailored to each individual's condition and needs.
From there it is already visible, so it can help patients in regulating food intake.
This article is based on the Healthy Monday program, a collaboration between EMC Healthcare and Liputan6, with speakers from EMC Sentul Hospital: Dr. Roi P. Sibarani, Sp.PD, KEMD, FES (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant) & Dr. Aditya Mulyantari, Sp.GK, M.Gizi (Clinical Nutrition Specialist).