Health Education And Training Of Primary Health Care Nutritionists In The Prevention Of Eating Disorders: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are a growing public health concern, affecting individuals of all ages who are treated in Primary Health Care (PHC). These disorders manifest through changes in eating habits, body image, and food-related behaviors, requiring an approach that considers nutritional, psychological, and clinical aspects in an integrated way. In this scenario, nutritionists play an essential role in prevention, early identification, and health guidance, encouraging healthy eating practices and promoting more humanized care. However, significant gaps still exist in the training and updating of these professionals, which hinders the initial identification of signs and the necessary interdisciplinary approach for the treatment of EDs. Objective: To analyze how health education and the training of nutritionists in Primary Care can contribute to the prevention of eating disorders in Primary Health Care. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. Articles published between 2021 and 2025 that addressed the performance, training, or education of nutritionists related to the prevention or management of eating disorders, mainly in the context of Primary Health Care or in multidisciplinary settings, were included. The search for studies was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed, Research, Society and Development (RSD Journal), and MDPI (Nutrients Journal) databases, supplemented by a manual search of cross-references. Results and Discussion: The reviewed research indicates that, despite the crucial role of nutritionists in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in Primary Health Care, significant gaps persist in their academic training, continuing education, and emotional preparedness. A lack of specific clinical guidelines, professional insecurity, low multidisciplinary integration, and a scarcity of structured continuing education programs were observed. Additionally, the literature shows that eating disorders are under-discussed in national and international studies focused on Primary Health Care, which restricts the advancement of effective strategies for professional training and interventions in public services. The results highlight the urgency of expanding discussions on eating habits, mental health, and therapeutic communication in the training of nutritionists, as well as the importance of strengthening support networks and clinical supervision. Conclusion: The review highlighted that health education and continuous professional development are fundamental to improving the nutritionist's performance in addressing eating disorders in primary health care. Challenges persist related to a lack of technical and emotional preparedness, low interdisciplinary collaboration, and the absence of specific guidelines, factors that compromise the quality of care. Professional training and research evaluating the impact of continuing education are essential to promote a more qualified, humanized, and effective nutritional practice in addressing eating disorders.