Medical nutrition therapy is a type of treatment for people who are at a higher weight than what is healthy for them. Many people find medical nutrition therapy helpful for weight loss. It's also for people with certain health conditions. During treatment, you will work with a registered dietitian. They will help you make a nutrition plan just for you.

A registered dietitian is a type of health care provider. They have special training in nutrition. This qualifies them to give counseling on nutrition.

Your dietitian will look closely at your eating habits and help you set new nutrition goals. You'll meet with your dietitian several times. They'll track your progress at each visit. They can help you set realistic weight-loss goals. Most people should aim to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week.

Your dietitian will tell you how many calories to eat each day to lose weight steadily and safely. They can help you plan a healthy, nutritious diet. This can help you make positive lifestyle changes that last.

Many people know that they need to lose weight, but they aren't sure how to do it. A dietitian can work with you to address your issues. Many people find this helpful.

You may not know that you need to not eat certain foods and eat more of others. Or maybe you eat the right foods, but your portion sizes are too big. Medical nutrition therapy can help you make lasting changes.

If you weigh more than what is healthy for you, it's important that you lose weight. This is even more important if you have obesity. By losing weight, you can lower your risk for many health conditions. These include:

• Diabetes.
• Arthritis.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Stroke.
• Sleep apnea.
• Liver disease.
• Infertility.
• Lung diseases, such as asthma.
• Certain cancers.
• Mental health problems.

Medical nutrition therapy can also help people with other health issues, including people who:

• Have an eating disorder.
• Have had weight loss (bariatric) surgery.
• Have cancer or diabetes.

If you follow your dietitian's advice, this type of therapy doesn't have risks. Your dietitian will work with you to make sure you don't lose too much weight too fast. Losing weight too fast may have risks.

If you have any concerns, talk with your doctor. If you're pregnant or have serious health issues, it may not be safe for you to lose weight.

Ask your dietitian how to prepare for your first visit. You may need to keep a food journal for a few days before you first meet. Write down all of the food you eat during that time. Be honest and write down everything. This will help you. Your dietitian can then help you set realistic goals for yourself.

Your first appointment will likely last about 1 hour. You may need several follow-up visits. These are to keep track of your progress. Follow-up visits may be shorter.

First, your dietitian will look at your current diet. This normally involves keeping a food diary for several days. Your dietitian will use this information to study your diet. They will look at where you need to make changes. Your dietitian's advice will follow the latest nutrition science.

Your dietitian will teach you how to make better food choices. They'll work with you to help you achieve realistic weight-loss goals. For many people, this is about 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss a week. You may get handouts or other educational materials. You may learn how to:

• Read food labels.
• Understand how much of each nutrient, such as calcium and sodium, you need in your diet.
• Eat the right number of calories for you.
• Eat enough protein and fiber to help make you feel fuller.
• Eat the right variety of foods.
• Eat enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Eat leaner cuts of meat and lower-fat dairy products.
• Limit your intake of fried foods and other foods high in unhealthy fats.
• Watch your portion sizes (portion control).
• Drink water instead of other beverages that are high in calories (like non-diet sodas and most juices).
• Increase your activity level, such as walking daily.

Your dietitian may suggest using pre-prepared products, such as frozen meals. These can be a good tool to help you learn to manage portion sizes.

You may also talk about other topics, such as:

• Spotting your triggers for overeating.
• Making strategies for coping with stress.
• Forming positive thoughts about food.

Your dietitian will tailor these suggestions to your preferences and health needs. You'll need to keep portion sizes in check. You may need to reduce how often you eat certain foods. Be honest with your dietitian about the changes you're ready to make. Be honest about which changes are hard for you.

Your dietitian will guide you during a series of visits. They may ask to meet with your family. This can help your family support you through the process.

How well medical nutrition therapy works depends on how much effort you put into it. Your dietitian will support you along the way and give you information and suggestions. But you must commit to making the healthy changes.

After your first series of visits with your dietitian, you can go back for follow-up checkups. You might want to do this if your weight loss stops or if you regain weight.

You may want to ask your doctor for a referral to an exercise program or a mental-health specialist. You can ask about weight-loss support groups. Working with others can help you reach your weight-loss goals.

Weight loss works best when healthy eating habits are paired with other changes, such as getting more exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Know that losing weight takes hard work and time. Making small but targeted lifestyle changes can have positive long-term effects. It can be challenging to make these changes, but the benefits are worth it.

Before you agree to the treatment, make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure.
• The reason you are having the test or procedure.
• What results to expect and what they mean.
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure.
• What the possible side effects or complications are.
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure.
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person's qualifications are.
• What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure.
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about.
• When and how you will get the results.
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems.
• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure.