— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Food as Medicine is an evidence-based clinical approach to using nutrition to help prevent and manage chronic disease. It includes medically tailored meals, medical nutrition therapy delivered by Registered Dietitians, produce prescription programs, and ongoing nutrition coaching — all backed by clinical evidence.
Coverage is expanding rapidly. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is covered by Medicare for diabetes and kidney disease, and many commercial plans cover Registered Dietitian visits. Medically tailored meals are increasingly covered under Medicaid waivers and value-based care contracts. CYGLERA partners with health plans to make Food as Medicine accessible.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based nutritional diagnostic, therapy, and counseling service for managing disease — provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). MNT improves clinical outcomes in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and weight management.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN/RD) hold a clinical credential requiring a bachelor's degree, a supervised internship, and a national exam. The term "nutritionist" is largely unregulated and varies widely. For clinical conditions, an RDN is the credentialed standard.
Yes. Personalized nutrition therapy — particularly when combined with behavior coaching and movement — produces sustainable weight loss outcomes. When paired with GLP-1 medication, Food as Medicine is essential for preserving muscle mass and supporting long-term success.
Food as Medicine has evidence in type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, IBS, and food allergies — among others. It's increasingly used as first-line care in lifestyle-related chronic disease.