Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Health: Evidence-Based Assessment, Counseling, and Referral

Course overview

Dietary patterns are one of several potentially modifiable factors that influence cardiometabolic health and chronic-disease risk. This 1.0-contact-hour activity equips physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, and registered dietitian nutritionists to assess dietary patterns; explain current evidence about ultra-processed foods and selected additives; and apply evidence-based dietary guidance, brief counseling, and referral strategies in routine practice. Obesity affects more than 40% of U.S. adults and approximately 20% of children and adolescents, and the incidence of several early-onset cancers has increased. Dietary patterns are potentially modifiable contributors within a broader set of genetic, metabolic, environmental, social, and behavioral factors. Many clinicians report limited nutrition training, and emerging state continuing-education requirements further support the need for practical, evidence-based nutrition competency (Albin et al., 2024; GBD 2021 US Obesity Forecasting Collaborators [GBD], 2024; Zhao et al., 2023).