ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

The treatment of medical conditions with diet is referred to as?

1. Dietetics

2. Medical nutrition therapy

3. Diet management

4. Clinical counseling

The correct answer is: Medical nutrition therapy

Medical nutrition therapy is specifically focused on using dietary interventions to manage medical conditions and improve health outcomes. This therapeutic approach involves assessing a patient's nutritional needs, creating an individualized meal plan, and providing guidance on lifestyle changes to help treat specific illnesses or conditions. For instance, individuals with diabetes may require tailored nutrition planning to help control blood sugar levels, while those with kidney disease might have dietary restrictions to manage protein and electrolyte intake. This method is typically implemented in clinical settings by registered dietitians or nutritionists and is supported by evidence-based practice. Dietetics is a broader field that encompasses all aspects of food and nutrition, including education, food service management, and research, rather than focusing solely on medical conditions. Diet management could imply general dietary regulation or guidance, without the overt therapeutic context. Clinical counseling typically refers to psychological support related to eating behaviors or emotional eating, rather than a strict focus on medical nutrition interventions. Medical nutrition therapy, therefore, stands out as the most accurate and specific term for the treatment of medical conditions through dietary means.