Randomized controlled trial: effect of nutritional counselling in general practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Dietary habits significantly influence long-term health outcomes.
• General Practitioners (GPs) are well-positioned to deliver health advice.
• Effective, brief interventions are needed to promote healthier diets in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a short educational intervention by GPs on dietary modifications in healthy adults.
• To determine if a 15-minute intervention can lead to sustained changes in food intake.
• To evaluate the effect on Body Mass Index (BMI) and adherence to healthy eating guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month, two-arm randomized controlled trial involving 3,186 healthy adults aged 18-65.
• Intervention group received a 15-minute educational session and a brochure on healthy eating.
• Outcomes measured included weight, blood pressure, and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish, and decreased meat consumption.
• A statistically significant improvement in a 'healthy diet score' was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).
• Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a significant reduction in the intervention arm (net change -0.41 kg/m²).

Conclusions:

• A brief, non-structured educational intervention delivered by GPs can effectively promote positive dietary changes in healthy adults.
• These dietary modifications may contribute to a reduction in BMI and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• GPs can play a vital role in public health by delivering concise, impactful nutritional advice.