Clinical practice guidelines for healthy eating for the prevention and treatment of metabolic and endocrine diseases in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/the American College of Endocrinology and the Obesity Society

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and The Obesity Society (TOS) are professional organizations dedicated to improve the lives of patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders. Chronic diseases demand treatment, but a focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies is important as well. Central to this approach is behavior modification to achieve consistent healthy eating and physical activity. Yet, to date there is no evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) to define the standards of care for healthy eating in the management and prevention of metabolic and endocrine disorders. This joint effort of AACE and TOS addresses this deficit. This CPG proposes an evidence-based, standardized context for healthy eating recommendations. Throughout this document, the word "diet" is avoided, and the terms "meal plan" and "eating or dietary pattern" are preferred instead. This CPG does not formally address healthy eating for pediatric or hospitalized patients but makes reference to them when appropriate.