The regulation of energy and macronutrient balance is critical in the evaluation of the predisposition to chronic diseases across diverse practice and research settings. Certain attributes of chronic diseases such as altered physical activity, systemic inflammation, hormonal status, and nutrient absorption may impact nutrient metabolism and energy expenditure – and thus energy requirements. Recent research shows that excess body weight is influenced by nutrients such as sodium, whose role has not been traditionally considered. Scientific advancements have also identified previously unrecognized factors, such as energy and mechanical efficiency, are independently linked to changes in body composition and energy expenditure. Innovative devices and methodologies are beginning to provide the ability to better measure macronutrient and energy metabolism in practice, paving the way for more targeted approaches to support improved nutritional science. This symposium will explore these emerging insights and offer new clinical perspectives grounded in the latest advancements in nutritional science.
Dr. Katherine Ford is a Research Associate with the Canadian Nutrition Society and Canadian Malnutrition Task Force. She is supporting the Canadian Malnutrition Taskforce with bridging the transfer of nutrition care from hospital to community. Katherine is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo where her research focuses on integrating a malnutrition care standard in Canadian hospitals and advancing the health policy landscape for malnutrition. Katherine utilizes her experience as Dietitian to bring a clinical perspective to her research and is interested in better understanding the impact of nutritional assessment and interventions on patient-oriented outcomes and how to spread and scale effective interventions focused on improving malnutrition care.