Starting the conversation: a phenomenological study exploring registered dietitian’s lived experience counseling children living with obesity and their families.

Abstract

This study was completed in order to gain an understanding of Registered Dietitian’s lived experiences counseling children living with obesity and their families. Between November 2013 and March 2014, 8 Registered Dietitians participated in a telephone interview or online survey where they reflected upon their lived experience counseling children living with obesity and their families. A phenomenology of practice design was used to collect and analyze the data in order to determine the lived experience of Registered Dietitians who counsel children living with obesity and their families, and what resources and education prepare them to counsel this population. The findings confirm that Registered Dietitians’ goal is to provide the necessary knowledge and resources to the families so they are able to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes. To better their practice they would like a physical activity component in their education, more resources in family counseling, and motivational interviewing training.