In an opinion editorial titled “Nutrition Therapy Should Anchor the Fight Against Obesity” published by RealClearHealth, Academy CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, highlights the vital role medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plays in obesity care. MNT, led by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), is a proven, evidence-based intervention for chronic conditions, including obesity, that teaches patients to manage their conditions through personalized guidance. However, MNT is underutilized and under covered by Medicare.
Research shows that incorporating MNT into obesity treatment leads to significant health improvements and enhances the effectiveness of treatments, such as GLP-1 medications. Expanding Medicare coverage to include MNT would help patients maintain their weight loss and health outcomes, while potentially saving the federal government $27.3 million over 10 years.
“MNT is a therapeutic, individualized intervention shown to significantly improve outcomes and reduce costs when paired with other obesity treatments,” Harris stated. “To fully realize the potential of GLP-1s and other anti-obesity tools, Congress must add MNT to the list of covered services.”
While the Academy supports the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), Harris urges Congress to go further by expanding Medicare coverage to include MNT services for obesity care — a crucial service not currently covered by TROA.
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