Patients should be advised to eat certain types of food when given diet advice by nurses, rather than focus entirely on nutrients, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association has said.
Speaking to Independent Nurse, Paul McArdle said that nurses managing patients at risk of obesity should encourage a diet that is rich in vegetables, pulses, legumes and fish, rather than focusing on individual nutrients.
‘The obvious thing is that if you eat too much of anything, that will lead to weight gain,’ said Mr McArdle. ‘Patients should be encouraged to take a sensible approach to the total quantities they are eating and reduce excess calories from fat, sugar and refined carbohydrates. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can focus on a food-based approach, rather than just talk about nutrients all the time. The truth is we don't have all the answers on the best proportion for every individual. So a Mediterranean diet is what we recommend the most.’
Mr McArdle made the comments in response to a report by the National Obesity Forum, which suggested that patients should eat more fat and cut out carbohydrates. Public Health England have criticised the report, saying that it is ‘irresponsible and misleading’ and recommend patients stick to diets involving starchy carbohydrates, especially wholegrain and eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
‘Suggesting people should eat more fat, cut out carbs and ignore calories conflicts with the broad evidence base and internationally agreed interpretations of it,’ said John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England. ‘The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition on carbohydrates alone included around 600 peer-reviewed scientific reports. That review was carried out over a number of years, reflecting how long it takes to thoroughly consider evidence ahead of changing dietary guidelines.’