Accredited Practicing Dietitians, Nutrition Aged Care, formerly Melbourne Dietetic Centre

Case Study 1 – Weight Management

Problem

Adam is a 36 year old father of two reported to have noticeable weight gain over the past 5 years. Adam has decided to get help to manage his weight as he has noticed increased knee and back pain and is now barely keeping up with his kids when they go to play in the local park. He also has been placed on medication to control increasing blood pressure.

Initial Consultation

Adam’s dietitian took initial measurements including, height, weight and waist circumference.
The dietitian then took a diet and activity history from Adam to determine what areas may need to be addressed in order for Adam to lose weight.
Adam was also advised to attend GP clinic for blood tests to rule out signs of heart disease, cholesterol and diabetes.
The dietitian then worked with Adam to formulate meal ideas that were lower in fats and calories.
In the consultation the dietitian and Adam agreed that Adam should create his own goals around eating behaviours and habits. The dietitian’s further role was then to him accountable for maintaining these.

Review Consultations

Measurements were repeated these monitored Adam’s progress.
The dietitian helped Adam to recognize poor eating patterns as they came up and challenged him to recognise these as habits that can be changed. She also helped him initiate strategies to support eating suitable amounts and select healthier choices. Adam was coached, supported and made accountable to continue to make changes to his eating habits. Without this consistent care, support and accountability he is aware that he would revert back to old habits.

Result

In six months Adam lost 8kg, reported increased fitness and his blood pressure returned to normal. Under the guidance of his GP, Adam was able to cease blood pressure medications.

Case Study 2 – Newly Diagnosed Diabetes (Type II)

Problem

Sarah, a 65 year old mother and grandmother, came to the main office of Leading Nutrition in Balwyn following diagnosis of type II diabetes by her GP. Sarah was terrified that diabetes was going to overrun her life and was fearful that she could collapse at any time from a low blood sugar level.

Process

Sarah attended consultation with dietitian who worked through her current diet, assisting her to make necessary changes to best manage her diabetes.
The recommendations for diet and diabetes including carbohydrate foods, glycaemic index and fats were explained in depth. Over the next consultations, Sarah’s dietitian helped her to interpret her blood glucose levels and further improve her diet to reach optimal blood sugar control.

Result

Since Sarah’s blood sugars were able to be controlled with diet and exercise, without medications, Sarah was at no risk of collapsing from low blood sugar levels. Sarah was able to eat a relatively normal food intake, simply focusing a little more on selecting healthy foods and maintaining portion control.
After initial education phase of 6 months, Sarah visited her dietitian annually to ensure she was still on track with her diet control. To make visits more cost effective (minimal out of pocket costs), Sarah was able to obtain a rebate from Medicare through the Enhanced Primary Care program with a referral from her GP.

Case Study 3 – Coeliac Disease

Problem

Robert was diagnosed with coeliac disease 2 years ago. At the time of his diagnosis his doctor gave him information on what he should avoid. He followed this information but had noticed, in the past 6 months he had been suffering stomach cramps and loss of appetite and was unsure if he had some unsuitable foods in is diet. His specialist doctor, the gastroenterologist referred him to see a dietitian.

Process

Robert came to a dietitian at Leading Nutrition for his consult unsure if he had been eating gluten free foods. He reported having difficulty finding appropriate gluten free foods to give enough variety and food enjoyment and was eating the same foods almost daily. He reported feeling bored and dissatisfied with his food.
The consultation process with the dietitian gave Robert new ideas and information on gluten free foods and gave him also strong reasons to absolutely maintain a gluten free diet. He was coached through many shopping and cooking changes in a series of consultations.
A supermarket shopping tour was part of the education and coaching for process for Robert and he reported to have gained much information and confidence on label reading in this session.
Robert signed up to become a member of the Coeliac Society of Australia, and was strongly in the long term by this society.

Results

Robert returned for long term reviews every year. His loss of appetite had been replaced with a strong appetite and enjoyment of the wide variety of foods he was now eating. His stomach pain had also disappeared.
Robert reported feeling confident around choosing the right foods and excited about new recipes.
A letter was sent to the referring gastroenterologist detailing Robert’s progress. His next blood test showed great results.
The regular 6 monthly dietitian visits keep Robert accountable for remaining focused and on track with his gluten free diet.