dieettherapie

Dieettherapie, or diet therapy, refers to the medical use of prescribed dietary modifications to prevent, treat, or manage health problems. It is typically part of a broader treatment plan and is tailored to the individual in consultation with health professionals. The approach can involve energy balance, nutrient distribution, and food choices.

Assessment and planning are carried out by dietitians or physicians, sometimes in multidisciplinary teams. The diet plan accounts for the patient’s nutritional status, coexisting diseases, age, activity level, cultural preferences, and economic constraints. Monitoring and adjustments are essential.

Common indications include obesity and overweight, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Diet therapy may involve calorie restriction, macronutrient modification (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), and restricted or enriched intake of sodium, potassium, phosphate, and fluids. In cancer and malnutrition, it aims to preserve muscle mass and energy intake.

Therapy can be delivered as individual counseling, group education, or structured meal plans. It may involve dietary counseling, use of oral supplements, or, in severe cases, enteral or parenteral nutrition. The effectiveness depends on adherence, integration with medical treatment, and ongoing professional support.

Dieettherapie should be guided by evidence-based guidelines and is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is tailored to the patient and regularly reassessed to avoid nutritional deficiencies or adverse effects.