We are excited to share with you a recent position paper published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics titled “Medical Nutrition Therapy Behavioral Interventions Provided by Dietitians for Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” This paper, available in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, provides valuable insights into the role of dietitians in helping adults with overweight or obesity.
The position paper highlights the importance of behavioral interventions alongside medical nutrition therapy in managing weight-related issues. It emphasizes the need for personalized approaches that address behavioral factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, and psychological well-being.
This concise yet comprehensive paper serves as a guide for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals seeking effective strategies for weight management. It sheds light on the vital role dietitians play in promoting behavior change and providing support to help individuals achieve long-term success in their weight loss journey.
We encourage you to read this enlightening position paper to better understand the significance of medical nutrition therapy behavioral interventions provided by dietitians for adults with overweight or obesity. Visit the link provided to access the full text and gain valuable insights from this esteemed publication.
Abstract
Providing interventions that facilitate improvement of dietary intake and other health behaviors can improve nutrition-related outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) behavioral interventions require expertise from registered dietitian nutritionists or international equivalents (dietitians), which no other health care provider can provide for adults with obesity. Current evidence supports the role of MNT behavioral interventions for adults with overweight or obesity as an effective treatment option, when appropriate for and desired by the client. This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper describes potential benefits and concerns regarding dietitian-provided MNT behavioral interventions for adults with overweight and obesity and informs dietitians about implications for practice. This Position Paper is supported by a systematic review examining effectiveness of MNT interventions provided by dietitians and by an evidence-based practice guideline. It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that MNT behavioral interventions for adults (aged 18 years and older) with overweight or obesity should be a treatment option, when appropriate and desired by the client, to improve cardiometabolic, quality of life, and anthropometric outcomes. Dietitians providing MNT recognize the complex contributors to overweight and obesity, and thus individualize interventions, based on a shared decision-making process, and deliver interventions in an inclusive, compassionate, and client-centered manner. Interventions should include collaboration with an interprofessional team when needed. Dietitians strive to increase health equity and reduce health disparities by advocating and providing opportunities for increased access to effective nutrition care services.
