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The Dietitian’s Dilemma: Ethically Navigating the Wellness Industry and Marketing with Evidence-Based Nutrition

Monday, October 13, 2025

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Proficiency: Basic knowledge/experience

Tracks: Media, Marketing & Communications, Public Health & Community Nutrition

CPE: 1.0

Description

The wellness market is valued at more than $480 billion. As consumers become more health savvy, they look to brands and manufacturers for transparent, authentic, and trustworthy products and services. The rise of social media wellness influencers and a plethora of online health information has created challenges for the public. Research suggests that consumers want a “trusted guide” to help them make more informed wellbeing-related purchases, with 56% of consumers surveyed saying recommendations from health experts matter most. 

As experts in food and nutrition, registered dietitians are primed to work with industry partners that ultimately provide consumers with trustworthy and authentic information rooted in science. In this session, two registered dietitians share their experience and tips for bridging the gap between business goals and nutrition science, establishing dietitians as nutrition experts, and building relationships with other professionals, while upholding our code of ethics.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the role of the registered dietitian in influencing consumer health trends.
  • Describe ethical dietetic practices in wellness communication and marketing.
  • Demonstrate how to effectively integrate nutrition science with business strategies.

Performance Indicators

  • 1.3.1 Recognizes actual or potential ethical issues and dilemmas encountered in practice.
  • 12.3.1 Establishes, implements and evaluates measurable goals to meet projections or targets.
  • 12.4.2 Adheres to advertising regulations and organizational policies.

Speakers

  • Amy Brownstein photo

    Amy Brownstein

    Registered Dietitian, Founder and Owner, Nutrition Digested, LLC

    Amy Brownstein, MS, RD, is a nutrition communications specialist with a passion for bridging the gap between evidence-based nutrition science and compelling marketing strategies. As the founder of Nutrition Digested, Amy specializes in creating original, science-backed content that translates complex research into actionable insights to help brands and health startups connect with their audiences authentically and effectively. Her expertise spans health writing, clinical nutrition, and marketing. Amy holds a Master of Science in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. She is deeply committed to fostering public health through innovative and accessible content.
  • Kellie Lunday photo

    Kellie Lunday

    Nutrition Content Lead, AFPA Account, KnowFully Learning Group

    Kellie Lunday is a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in corporate wellness, health education, and performance optimization. Currently serving as the Nutrition Content Lead for the AFPA account at KnowFully Learning Group, she develops impactful e-learning courses, blending her subject matter expertise with innovative instructional design to empower health professionals. Previously, Kellie managed a global nutrition team for Intel’s corporate wellness program, driving participation through creative virtual education and effective nutrition counseling. Additionally, she has worked in the Texas Performance Nutrition department for the University of Texas at Austin. There she served as the primary Sports Dietitian for Women’s Rowing, helping to fuel numerous athletes. Kellie received her Master of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and completed her dietetic internship at The University of Texas in Austin. She is passionate about tasting and learning about global cuisines, along with advancing consumer health through culinary and evidence-based nutrition education.

Moderator

  • Connie Diekman photo

    Connie Diekman

    Food and Nutrition Consultant, CBDiekman

    Connie Diekman, M.Ed., RD, LD, FADA, FAND is a Food and Nutrition Consultant in St. Louis, Missouri. Diekman is the former Director of University Nutrition at Washington University in St Louis, a Former President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a former chair of the American Heart Association – Missouri affiliate. She is also a former chair of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, a subunit of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diekman worked as a television nutrition reporter for close to 15 years, working for the NBC, CBS and finally, the Fox affiliates in St Louis, Missouri. For fifteen years Diekman was the voice of the “Eating Right” minute which aired on radio station WBBM in Chicago. She continues to be quoted regularly by the media on food and nutrition issues. Diekman works with the food industry, restaurants, and commodity groups as they develop platforms around nutrition. Diekman provides evidence-based guidance that ensures messages reflect the science of food and nutrition. Diekman is the author of “The Everything Mediterranean Diet Book: All You Need to Lose Weight and Stay Healthy!” and the book “SuperFood Nuts”. Honors received include; the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion award, the Alumni Distinguished Service Award from Fontbonne University, the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award from the Missouri Dietetic Association, the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Missouri Dietetic Association, and the Dr. Arthur Strauss Award, from the American Heart Association – St. Louis.

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