More Foot, Less Fork

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are modifiable risk factors to numerous chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity, depression, heart failure, and lower back pain. Integrating physical activity (PA) and exercise strategies into patient consultations for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases is the epitome of the global health initiative, Exercise Is Medicine. Nutrition and health professionals can play an important role in this growing movement of increasing PA by documenting PA assessment, incorporating PA in patient counseling, prescribing tailored exercise prescriptions, and including resource referrals at each clinical visit. This article presents a brief background of PA, exercise, and sedentary behavior research and application strategies targeting health outcomes and illustrates why and how nutrition and health professionals play a role in Exercise Is Medicine to support increased PA in patient populations.