Background/Objectives: The ongoing obesity epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight, and nearly half of the population (42.4%) are obese. These conditions, driven by poor and unsustainable diets, are major risk factors for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the country. This review aims to examine existing research on health care professionals’ attitudes and perceptions of plant-based nutrition and explore how this knowledge can be utilized to promote the adoption of plant-based diets (PBDs) among Americans as an alternative to the standard American diet. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in April, 2024. Out of the 151 articles identified, 27 were deemed eligible and included in the narrative review. Results: Nine key themes were identified as major influences on the attitudes and behaviors of health professionals regarding PBDs. These themes were mapped with the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to stratify key enablers and barriers to implementation of PBDs in routine care for patients. Conclusions: Key barriers to incorporating plant-based nutrition into routine care include time constraints, limited educational resources, insufficient skills, lack of multidisciplinary collaboration, and inadequate professional training. Access to evidence-based research summaries, clear guidelines, ongoing professional development, and other relevant educational resources were identified as facilitators of successfully integrating PBDs into everyday practice.

Background/Objectives: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne allergic condition increasingly prevalent in the Southern, Eastern and Mid-western regions of the United States. This study aims to assess the awareness and understanding of AGS among Kansas residents, focusing on its symptoms, impact, and available management resources. Methods: Two anonymous, self-reported surveys were administered using Qualtrics software [Qualtrics XM, Provo, UT, USA], one targeting Kansas Extension professionals and the other directed at Kansas community residents. Results: Participants from both groups demonstrated general awareness of AGS, with 82 respondents self-identifying as having the condition. Beyond the dietary restrictions associated with the condition, individuals with AGS also faced a range of social, financial and health-related challenges. The study revealed critical gaps in healthcare preparedness and support infrastructure for managing AGS in rural Kansas communities. Conclusions: While awareness of AGS is increasing in Kansas, individuals affected by this condition continue to encounter significant challenges. These are not limited to personal and emotional hardships but also include systemic challenges in healthcare and community support. Study findings highlight a critical gap between growing awareness and implementation of effective action.

Background/Objectives: The ongoing obesity epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight, and nearly half of the population (42.4%) has obesity. These conditions, driven by poor and unsustainable diets, are major risk factors for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the country. This review aims to examine existing research on healthcare professionals' attitudes and perceptions of plant-based nutrition and explore how this knowledge can be utilized to promote the adoption of plant-based diets (PBDs) among Americans as an alternative to the standard American diet. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched initially in April 2024. Out of the 151 articles identified, 27 were deemed eligible and included in the narrative review. Results: Nine key themes were identified as major influences on the attitudes and behaviors of health professionals regarding PBDs. These themes were mapped to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify key enablers and barriers to implementation of PBDs in routine care for patients. Conclusions: Key barriers to incorporating plant-based nutrition into routine care include time constraints, limited educational resources, insufficient skills, lack of multidisciplinary collaboration, and inadequate professional training. Access to evidence-based research summaries, clear guidelines, ongoing professional development, and other relevant educational resources were identified as facilitators of successfully integrating PBDs into everyday practice.

Background/Objectives: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne allergic condition increasingly prevalent in the Southern, Eastern and mid-western regions of the United States. This study aims to assess the awareness and understanding of AGS among Kansas residents, focusing on its symptoms, impacts, and available management resources. Methods: Two anonymous surveys were administered using Qualtrics software, one targeting Kansas Extension professionals and the other directed at Kansas community residents. Results: Participants from both groups demonstrated general awareness of AGS. Beyond the dietary restrictions associated with the condition, individuals with AGS also faced a range of social, financial and health-related challenges. The study revealed critical gaps in healthcare preparedness and support infrastructure for managing AGS in rural Kansas communities. Conclusions: While awareness of AGS is increasing in Kansas, individuals affected by this condition continue to encounter significant challenges. These are not limited to personal and emotional hardships but also systemic challenges in healthcare and community support. Study findings highlight a critical gap between growing awareness and implementation of effective action.