Published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a new Position Paper on the role of MNT behavioral interventions for adults with overweight or obesity underscores how providing interventions that facilitate improvement of dietary intake and other health behaviors can improve nutrition-related outcomes in this population.
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 new 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. It is supported by a systematic review examining effectiveness of MNT interventions provided by dietitians and by an evidence-based practice guideline.
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.
Read the full article in JAND.
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!