How can I use telehealth to improve my eating habits and nutrition?
Telehealth makes it easier to get nutrition care from home by allowing you to meet with a nutrition expert through video, phone, or secure messaging without traveling to a clinic.
What types of nutrition care can I receive through telehealth?
You can receive many types of nutrition services through telehealth, often from a Registered Dietitian. A Registered Dietitian is a licensed health professional trained to help people improve their nutrition and manage health conditions. Through telehealth, your provider can:
- Review your eating habits and health history
- Help you set nutrition goals
- Create a personalized nutrition plan
- Provide medical nutrition therapy, a nutrition plan to help manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer
- Offer follow-up visits and ongoing counseling
- Provide group nutrition education sessions
Telehealth nutrition can support people of all ages, including:
- Children who need support for healthy growth
- Pregnant or postpartum women
- Adults managing chronic conditions
- Older adults who need help to meal planning or maintain a healthy weight
Tip: Your provider may also recommend tools to track your progress, such as food logs, smart scales or blood sugar monitors.
What are the benefits of using telehealth for nutrition care?
Telehealth can make nutrition care more accessible and convenient. Other benefits of telehealth include:
- More choices. You may be able to see a nutrition provider who does not live near you. This can help you find someone who meets your specific needs.
- Timely care. Some providers may have shorter wait times for virtual visits.
- Convenience. You can attend appointments from home or another private location.
- Better tracking of your health. Some providers use remote monitoring tools to track weight, blood sugar, or activity levels. This can help you see how your eating habits affect your health over time.
How can telehealth visits work for nutrition care?
There are several ways you may receive nutrition services through telehealth:
- Video appointments. Meet with your provider using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can review your goals, adjust your nutrition plan, and ask questions in real time.
- Phone visits. Some nutrition services may be available by phone if video is not an option.
- Secure messaging. You may be able to send messages through a patient portal. You can share updates, ask questions, or upload food logs. Your provider can respond with guidance.
- Remote patient monitoring: Digital health tools, such as smart scales, blood glucose meters, or activity trackers, may send health information to your provider. Ask your provider how to set up and use these tools.
- Mobile health applications: Some providers recommend apps to help track meals, physical activity, or symptoms. Some apps use artificial intelligence (AI). These tools can support your nutrition plan.
How can I prepare for a telehealth nutrition visit?
Preparing ahead of time can help you get the most out of your appointment. Before your visit:
- Check your insurance coverage and costs
- Confirm the date, time and technology you will use
- Test your internet connection and device
- Find a quiet, private space
During your virtual visit, your provider will review your information and discuss your nutrition needs and goals with you. To make the most of your appointment, be ready to share:
- Your health history
- Any medical conditions
- Food allergies or intolerances
- A list of medications
- A recent daily food and drink log
- Your weight history
- How often you exercise
- Any challenges getting healthy foods
Tip: Before your visit, think about your nutrition goals. For example, you may want to manage a health condition, improve your energy, lose or gain weight, or build healthier eating habits.
More information:
Telehealth for nutrition care and services (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for cancer care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for diabetes care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth to manage chronic conditions? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What do I need to use telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What is remote patient monitoring? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What should I know before my telehealth visit? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Nutrition and fitness — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
RealFood.gov — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Online nutrition tools — U.S. Department of Agriculture
Live whole health — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs