In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, it’s easy to feel like just another number. Doctors and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating illnesses, but did you know that most medical schools provide only a few hours of nutrition education?

Previous studies have found that medical students receive an average of just 19 hours of nutrition education throughout their entire training, leaving many physicians feeling underprepared to provide nutrition counselling (Duggan et al., 2023). This is far from enough to fully grasp the impact of diet on chronic disease, gut health, and overall well-being. With so much focus on pharmaceuticals and acute care, the role of food as medicine is often overlooked.

At the same time, gender disparities in healthcare are becoming more evident. Research shows that women’s symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. A groundbreaking global study published last year in The Lancet Public Health found ‘stark differences between females and males in major causes of disease burden,’ highlighting the need for more gender-specific research and care.

In Australia, the 2024 Gender Pain Gap Index report found that 55% of women feel their pain has been ignored or dismissed, compared with 48% of men. Despite evidence that women experience higher burdens of conditions like low back pain, depressive disorders, and headache disorders, their symptoms are more likely to be attributed to psychological factors rather than underlying medical conditions. These biases can result in inadequate pain management and poorer health outcomes.

That’s why taking charge of your own health is more important than ever! But what does it mean to be your own health advocate?

Being your own health advocate means actively taking responsibility for your well-being by making informed decisions about healthcare, lifestyle, and treatment options. Educating yourself on how nutrition, lifestyle, and holistic approaches impact health is key. Asking questions and seeking clarification from healthcare providers ensures you fully understand diagnoses, treatments, and potential side effects. Making informed choices by weighing medical, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions helps determine what works best for you.

Being proactive also means tracking your health by keeping records of symptoms, medications, lab results, and lifestyle habits to identify patterns and advocate for better care when needed. Seeking support from healthcare teams, family, or support groups can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Additionally, prioritising preventive care through optimal nutrition, exercise, stress management, and regular check-ups helps maintain overall well-being.

The modern medical system presents several challenges, making self-advocacy crucial. Healthcare professionals are often managing high patient loads, leading to shorter appointments and less personalised care. Preventative care is frequently overlooked in favour of treating illness after it arises. Gaps in communication and misinformation can result in misdiagnoses or conflicting medical opinions, making it essential to take an active role in understanding your health conditions.

Pharmaceutical-driven care often prioritises medication over holistic approaches like diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Rising costs and accessibility issues make navigating the healthcare system even more challenging. Finally, health is deeply personal—no one understands your body better than you do! Taking control of your health choices ensures that treatments align with your unique needs and values.

To simplify self-advocacy, we’ve developed the SEED Approach:

At Verdant Nutrition, we believe that food should be your first line of defence. If you're ready to take a proactive approach to your health, let’s work together to create a nutrition plan that truly supports your body.

Book your consultation today and start sowing the seeds of health!

References

Duggan, Michael P.; Kodali, Anahita T.; Panton, Zach A.; Smith, Shannon M.; Riew, Grant J.; Donaghue, Jack F.; Leya, Gregory A.; and Briggs, Logan G, 2023, Survey of Nutrition Education Among Medical Students, Journal of Wellness, viewed 19 February 2025, https://doi.org/10.55504/2578-9333.1167

Patwardhan, Vedavati et al, 2021, Differences across the lifespan between females and males in the top 20 causes of disease burden globally: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, The Lancet Public Health, viewed online 19 February 2025, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(24)00053-7/fulltext

Victorian Government, 2024, The Gender Pain Gap Revealed and Women Aren’t Surprised, Media Release, Victoria State Government, viewed online 19 February 2025, https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/gender-pain-gap-revealed-and-women-arent-surprised