Medical nutrition therapy is designed for people with a condition diagnosed by the treating doctor, where appropriately tailored nutrition is an important part of treatment and the prevention of complications. The programme is not medical treatment and does not alter treatment prescribed by the treating doctor. Medical nutrition therapy is a professional, personalised and evidence-based process of adapting nutrition to a diagnosed health condition. It includes a detailed nutrition and medical assessment, identification of individual nutritional needs and concerns, planning and implementation of an appropriate nutrition intervention, and monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. It also includes one follow-up consultation lasting up to 30 minutes and professional support during the programme for questions about implementing the plan.
Medical nutrition therapy is provided on the basis of relevant medical documentation and scientific evidence, with the aim of improving the client’s health.
It is important to note that medical nutrition therapy does not include making a medical diagnosis, prescribing or changing medication, and does not replace treatment or monitoring by the treating healthcare team.
Common indications
- prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- overweight and obesity
- high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia
- metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- thyroid conditions where nutritional support is appropriate
- coeliac disease and medically confirmed food allergies or intolerances
- gastrointestinal conditions and functional digestive symptoms
- gout and hyperuricaemia
- early and stable stages of kidney disease
- nutritional deficiencies and anaemia
- cancer and recovery following treatment, in collaboration with the treating team
- other chronic non-communicable diseases in which nutrition has an evidence-based role
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, stable inflammatory bowel disease, and diseases of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas where outpatient nutrition support is appropriate
- kidney stones and other stable renal conditions, subject to assessment by a nephrologist
- gestational diabetes and other conditions during pregnancy that require a medically tailored plan
- the period before and after surgery, including bariatric procedures, where complex monitoring is not required
- older age, reduced appetite, risk of sarcopenia, and mild to moderate malnutrition where outpatient support is safe
What’s included
- a detailed initial consultation lasting up to 90 minutes
- a review of relevant medical documentation and medication
- a personalised nutrition assessment and comprehensive guidance tailored to the health condition
- guidance for specific situations relevant to the client’s condition
- one follow-up consultation lasting up to 30 minutes
The written report is delivered within ten working days once the consultation and documentation are complete. If review of the documentation shows that the condition is more complex than the standard programme allows, the client will be offered the complex programme and an appropriate quotation before work begins.