Curie Brief
Turn on cookies to sign in
Signing in saves your progress to your Curie account. We can only do that with cookies on — turn them on to continue.
News
The American College of Cardiology says diet talk should be a routine part of patient care. A new scientific statement emphasizes that overall diet quality — not individual nutrients — is the key to cardiometabolic health. And even patients on GLP-1 medications still need to prioritize good nutrition.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has published a scientific statement in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology making the case that nutrition counseling should be a standard part of cardiovascular care. The statement, led by Harvard nutrition expert Dr. Frank Hu, shifts the focus away from single nutrients (think: fat or carbs) toward overall dietary patterns — and it's a timely update given the rise of GLP-1 therapies.
The core message: a heart-healthy diet is plant-forward, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fish, while limiting red and processed meats, ultraprocessed foods, refined grains, excess sodium, and sugary drinks. The statement also stresses that GLP-1 medications don't replace the need for good nutrition — they're complementary tools, not substitutes.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Poor diet is a leading driver of CVD, diabetes, and obesity. Embedding nutrition conversations into routine clinical care could meaningfully shift outcomes — especially as GLP-1 use surges and clinicians need clear guidance on how diet fits into the broader picture.
