Health Coaches and Fit Pros Can Broaden Reach in Clinical Practice
Authors of a recent viewpoint published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association issued a call for clinicians to incorporate more nutrition counseling into their patient interactions to better help people improve health outcomes. The authors noted that our changing healthcare system offers clinicians more opportunities to engage patients in nutrition counseling, though few do. In addition to outlining how various members of the clinical team can help, the authors advised clinicians to develop partnerships with community resources such as nutrition and health coaches and diabetes prevention programs.
Editor’s note: Learn more about adding nutrition information to your training programs in the IDEA Food and Nutrition Tips Bonus Section in the November–December issue of IDEA Fitness Journal.
Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD
"Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine physician, registered dietitian and health coach. She practices general pediatrics with a focus on healthy family routines, nutrition, physical activity and behavior change in North County, San Diego. She also serves as the senior advisor for healthcare solutions at the American Council on Exercise. Natalie is the author of five books and is committed to helping every child and family thrive. She is a strong advocate for systems and communities that support prevention and wellness across the lifespan, beginning at 9 months of age."
