Linking active living and nutrition counselling: dietitians' perceptions

Healthy eating and active living have become key concepts in health promotion, and, increasingly, the two messages are being combined. Dietitians are in an ideal position to promote physical activity as an adjunct to nutrition counselling. Focus group interviews were used to identify dietitians' perceptions and needs related to incorporating active living messages into their practices. Six focus groups, involving 42 participants (40 registered dietitians and two dietetic interns), were conducted in cities throughout Alberta. Issues explored during the interviews included the dietitian's role in promoting active living, barriers to promoting physical activity, opportunities for collaboration between dietitians and exercise professionals, and dietitians' perceived needs for integrating active living messages into their practices effectively. Findings indicate strong support for incorporating active living messages into nutrition counselling. However, lack of knowledge was identified as a barrier to dietitians' proactive role, and concerns were raised about public and professional perceptions if dietitians counselled on this issue. Participants felt that they required additional knowledge and training in physical activity in order to promote it effectively. Development and implementation of programs designed to meet these needs would help dietitians integrate active living messages into their practices.