WELCOME How much information do you take in from the media? How do you process that information? What impact does that have on you and your life and on the decisions you make? Throughout this double issue, we discuss and share thoughts and views regarding the influence of the media on several topics, including eating disorders and public health messages. Emma Berry starts us off by looking at the research and evidence surrounding the claims that processed foods may be bad for health. She discusses what constitutes an ‘ultra-processed food’ and how messages that hit the media impact on the public. Social media affects current dieting culture too, and Nikki Brierley, specialist dietitian in eating disorders (ED), talks us through the potential impact associated with the weight-loss industry and the social norm of sharing weight-loss advice, tips and inspiration. Continuing with the ED theme, our Cover Story this month is an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a specialist dietitian involved in this area. Oana Oancea highlights the recovery stages in an inpatient setting and looks at the relationship between the dietitian, patient and the patient’s family/carers. We always aim to give you varied articles on wide-ranging topics and this issue is no different. Paula Hallam returns to focus on follow-on formulas and discusses the evidence and recommendations around these products. We also welcome back Farihah Choudhry with an article delving into the specific realms of preteen or childhood obesity and what role a parent might play in this.
FROM THE EDITOR
Emma Coates Editor Emma has been a Registered Dietitian for 12 years, with experience of adult and paediatric dietetics.
In our clinical features this month, Harriet Smith discusses the importance of pre-operative nutrition and the current advice for this patient group. Rebecca Gasche takes a look at the key aspects of care for patients with stomas, which links in nicely with Louise Edwards report on setting up a dietetic service for this particular patient group. Whilst it can be a challenge and may not always be feasible to develop a new patient service in the NHS, it can be a highly rewarding and positive experience for all involved. Our NHD/British Lion eggs writing competition came to a close at the beginning of July and, in this issue, we feature the winning article by dietetics student Laura Kaar. Laura impressed the judges with her interesting and well-researched look at the nutritional composition of eggs and the wide range of health benefits associated with including eggs as part of a balanced diet. And there’s more too, as Martha Hughes comments on ONS prescribing for a If you have important news or clinical need and research updates to share with NHD, or Laura Sexton gives would like to send a letter to the Editor, us her Day in the please email us at Life of a community info@networkhealthgroup.co.uk nutrition support dietWe would love to itian. So much to read hear from you. for your summer hols! Emma www.NHDmag.com August/September 2019 - Issue 147
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