Why Won’t My Doctor Talk About My Diet?

The exercise part seems straightforward, but for many doctors, food remains a medical mystery.

That’s a major problem given the fact that poor diet quality has surpassed smoking to become the leading risk factor for death and disability in the U.S. In fact, 70 percent of U.S. deaths are believed to be linked to chronic diseases related to diet and lifestyle.

On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast™, Neal Barnard, M.D., joins “The Weight Loss Champion” Chuck Carroll to explore why doctors don’t know much about nutrition. As you’ll learn, the problem begins long before they ever enter practice. It begins in medical school. The lack of nutrition education in the curriculum is jaw-dropping, despite an increasing amount of research showing that many chronic disease-related deaths could have been prevented by dietary changes.

Dr. Barnard also shares how you can help fix the problem. Your conversations with them about nutrition and the benefits of a plant-based diet can literally help to save a life.

And if you think your doctor won’t listen? Think again. A survey among physicians published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition finds that 94 percent of them feel nutrition counseling should be part of primary care visits. However, only 14 percent feel like they are able to adequately talk about it. Your conversation can help change that.

You’ll also get tips on how to begin those conversations and how to have them with friends and family who may be skeptical of a vegan diet.

Enjoy this special episode that was originally aired on Facebook Live.

Resources

Does Your Doctor Discuss Nutrition with You?

Explore our For Your Doctor literature kit which Physicians Committee created to help you start a conversation with your doctor about a plant-based diet.