Reuters recently reported that a study, which looked at the current overweight and obesity trends, concluding that by the year 2048, all American adults will be overweight.

Is this credible—or even possible?

“Genetically and physiologically, it should be impossible” for all U.S. adults to become overweight, said Dr. Lan Liang of the Federal Government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, one researcher from the study.

However, she told Reuters Health, the data suggest that if the trends of the past 30 years persist, “that is the direction we’re going.”

On the other hand:

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition concluded, “Internal medicine interns’ perceive nutrition counseling as a priority, but lack the confidence and knowledge to effectively provide adequate nutrition education.”

77% of the 61 internal medicine interns surveyed, “agreed that nutrition assessment should be included in routine primary care visits, and 94% agreed that it was their obligation to discuss nutrition with patients….[however] only 14%…[felt] adequately trained to provide nutrition counseling.”

On the one hand, if all adults are going to be overweight by the year 2048, but only 14% of physicians feel they have the necessary knowledge to teach their patients, how will this paradox be solved?

How about a registered dietitian?

Registered dietitians (RDS) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

• Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university of college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

• Complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length.

• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).

• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Some RDS hold additional certification in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency of ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required.

In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD. Source: American Dietitians Association

Have you subscribed to our Ask the Dietitian Email Service yet?

To prevent all adults from becoming overweight by the year 2048, will society have to change?

Or will individuals have to bridge this “information gap?”

What do you think, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Avenue