Abstract
General practitioners (GPs) are frequently confronted with patients who suffer from obesity or other nutritionrelated diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. There is increasing evidence that nutrition communication is effective in changing nutrition behaviour. Moreover, it is widely argued that GPs are ideally placed to provide nutrition information. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the state of the art regarding nutrition communication in general practice. First, an overview of the occurrence of nutrition communication in general practice is provided. Next, it is established that patients perceptions regarding nutrition communication are positive. Although there are many opportunities for nutrition communication in general practice, these opportunities are often not taken up. Even though GPs perceptions regarding nutrition communication were positive, they also perceive barriers, like lack of time and patient non-compliance. For more effective nutrition communication between GPs and patients, GPs perceived barriers should be overcome and GPs self-efficacy should be strengthened. Moreover, we recommend that GPs adapt their nutrition communication style, dependent of the specific circumstances.
Keywords: Nutrition communication, general practice, primary care, obesity, attitude
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