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Lauren Ball

@proflaurenball.bsky.social

610 followers 830 following 250 posts

Professor of Community Health & Wellbeing at The University of Queensland. Creatively blending research excellence, leadership and strategy to empower our most influential thought leaders. proflaurenball.com

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Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Dec 5

Universities today face growing pressure to demonstrate their relevance and impact, focusing not just on knowledge generation but also on engaging effectively with communities. I’m so happy to share my TEDxUQ talk, now on YouTube, about how I work with our community loom.ly/8N0f1Sg

How universities can make a real difference in their communities | Lauren Ball | TEDxUQ

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

loom.ly

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Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 10h

Can dietetic consults help address CVD risk factors in young adults with addictive eating behaviours? First author Mark Leary (University of Newcastle) + team found 5 telehealth sessions with an APD helped ⬇️ intake of fat, saturated fat & non-core foods. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 1d

What are the long-term impacts of the low-FODMAP diet for those with IBS? A research team led by first author Amirreza Pouladi (Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) found that following the diet for +6mths, ⬇️ GI symptoms & depression: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 2d

Can edible algae support heart health? 🌿💙 Patricia Casas-Agustench (University of Plymouth) + research team, reviewed 29 RCTs and found algae intake lowered systolic & diastolic blood pressure. Spirulina & whole algae forms were the most effective: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 3d

A systematic review led by Mehmet Kanbay (Koc University School of Medicine) found high ultra-processed food intake = ⬆️ frailty & sarcopenia. Diets rich in minimally processed, nutrient dense foods = better muscle health. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 8d

📢 The October issue of JHND is here! From gut health 🦠 to dietetic education 🎓 to supporting healthy eating across the life course - this issue is packed with fresh research you won’t want to miss. Explore the latest: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1365277x...

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 9d

A systematic review + meta-analysis led by Afnan Alhrbi (first author, University of Exeter) found children diagnosed with autism were shorter than typically developing children and had ⬇️ intake of protein, calcium and key vitamins. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 10d

What role does the diet have in helping to improve the impacts of migraines? Francisco Schlottmann (Hospital Alemán + University of Illinois) + research team, found that 60% of participants reported migraine improvements after a 2-week diet intervention. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 14d

Can using an indoor aquaponic system help support greater diet sustainability knowledge? First author Isabelle Crowe (University of Wollongong) + team found this activity helped support dietetics students’ knowledge and sustainable diet intentions. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 15d

What are the components of a nutrition focused physical examination for older adults? First author Christina Gassmann (University Hospital Zurich) + the research team, uncovered 33 useful and relevant components to help identify nutrition issues. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 24d

What kind of tools are available to support menu assessments in aged care? A scoping review led by @karlybartrim.bsky.social (University of Queensland) uncovered the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based menu assessment tool to be developed. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

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Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 28d

Nutrition & endometriosis: what do patients and dietitians say? A study led by Sharnie Dwyer (Griffith University) found: individualised care is vital, system changes, clearer referral pathways + more trusted voices are needed. 🔎Read more via JHND #OpenAccess: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · 29d

Diet & IBD: have views changed over the past decade? 🥗 A study led by Nikita Parkash (Monash Health) found that patients and clinicians placed increased importance on the role of diet, but only 18% of patients recall receiving dietary care. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 9

Managing constipation in eating disorders: what does the evidence say? 💡 Key strategies include weight restoration, fibre intake, fluid medication advice & education. Read this JHND study by Sharon Carey & Bridget Heathcote (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital): doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 8

What does dietetic practice look like in the UAE? 🌍 Researchers led by Farah Naja (University of Sharjah & American University of Beirut) found the DASH diet is commonly recommended, and most work with doctors and nurses (but little with other HCPs). Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 5

Can caffeine help protect the brain in older age? ☕️ A study led by first author Xiaoli Wang (Shanxi Medical University) reviewed NHANES data and found ⬆️ caffeine intake = lower odds of poor cognitive function. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 4

What is the prevalence of #malnutrition in children diagnosed with cancer in South Africa? This study by Judy Schoeman (University of Pretoria & Stellenbosch University) uncovered 24% were acutely undernourished at diagnosis, with stunting linked to poorer 3-year survival. doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

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Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 3

Do you work in eating disorders? Check out this paper led by Copeland Winten (Queensland University of Technology) which explores the use of Dietetic-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for #ARFID + shares the treatment journey of two patients. Read more on JHND #OpenAccess: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Sep 2

What is #IBS nutrition advice like on YouTube? A Turkish research team analysed 64 videos & found users tended to choose popular videos, rather than those made by a reliable source like a gastroenterologist or dietitian. Read more via #OpenAccess on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 28

Can vitamin intake during pregnancy help with baby’s lung health? Vit A = no evidence; possible benefits with Vit C and Vit E = less wheeze in early years of life. Read more in this study led by Vanessa Murphy (@hmriaustralia.bsky.social) on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn.... doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 27

Our team are already talking about our Christmas Party! We always try our best to not only celebrate and have fun, but also consider what the next year brings for the team. To prepare, I loved reading this HBR article about 'offsites' that actually drive changes.

hbr.org/tip/2025/08/...

Design a Leadership Offsite That Actually Drives Change

If your team feels disconnected, a well-designed offsite can realign and reenergize them—but only if you go beyond logistics. Ask yourself these five questions to inform your planning and make the…

hbr.org

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 27

How do teens with Crohn’s Disease transition from exclusive enteral nutrition to a normal diet? First author Mi Zhou (Zhejiang Chinese Medical University) + research team found dietary guidance is needed to help support teens & carers with this change. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 26

How do dietitians promote sustainable food systems? 🌍 Katy Saucis (torontomet.bksy.social) + research team highlighted the need for a planetary health focus, advocating for change and speaking the cost-language of decision makers. Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 25

What shapes the diets of Irish toddlers (18–36 months)? A study led by first author @benleensmith.bsky.social (@ucc.ie) surveyed +1000 parents & found overall low dietary guidelines adherence with food preparation and fussiness, key barriers to healthy eating. Read more: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 21

How much has the use of video consultations increased since 2016? 💻 In a survey of Swedish dietitians, led by Sarah Persson (Umea University), video telehealth rose from 16% to 67%, particularly due to the pandemic.
📈 Read more on JHND: doi.org/10.1111/jhn....

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Aug 19

Is it true foods with a short ingredient list are healthier? A nutrition expert explains

theconversation.com/is-it-true-f...

Is it true foods with a short ingredient list are healthier? A nutrition expert explains

While it can work as a good rule of thumb, there’s more to nutrition than just the number of ingredients.

theconversation.com