EP 120: Rewiring Health: Behavioral Science Meets Nutrition Education With Dr Aggarwal

Parallax by Ankur Kalra

This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Brooke Aggarwal to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of behavioural science and nutrition education. Dr Brooke Aggarwal, an Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center, focuses her research on how behavioural and psychological factors influence adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines. In this episode, Dr Aggarwal shares insights from a groundbreaking study she worked on, the Family Intervention Trial for Heart Health (FIT Heart), unveiling the crucial role of social support and caregiver dynamics in maintaining healthy behaviours. Dr Kalra and Dr Aggarwal discuss innovative techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy that are transforming the landscape of nutrition counselling. Dr Aggarwal shares her insights into the practical applications of behavioural science in clinical settings, emphasising the importance of addressing cognitive distortions with evidence-based approaches. The discussion highlights the need for healthcare providers to adapt their language to enhance accessibility, creating a supportive environment for sustainable lifestyle changes within patients. Join us as we explore how combining behavioural science with nutrition knowledge can empower individuals to take control of their health and create meaningful, sustainable improvements in their lives.