The Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease: A Position Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has released a new position paper, The Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease: A Position Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This paper discusses how everyone with nutrition-related health conditions or risk factors should have access to medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and obesity are among the leading drivers of illness and health care costs in the United States. Evidence shows that MNT, delivered by qualified RDNs, can improve health outcomes for these conditions and reduce overall health care spending.

The position paper reviews findings from 25 systematic reviews published between 2017 and 2024, demonstrating that MNT is effective compared to standard care or no intervention. 

Despite its proven effectiveness, access to MNT remains limited. Challenges include shortages of RDNs in some areas, low referral rates from health care providers, and gaps in insurance coverage and reimbursement. 

This position paper was co-authored by Altarum’s Mary Rozga, with collaboration from Altarum and contributions from Karah Mantinan and Rebecca Hagedorn-Hatfield. Their work brings together the latest evidence to support policy and practice changes that expand access to nutrition care.

Read the full article: https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(25)00801-9/fulltext