By: Nikki Nies
People are always striving for the latest, greatest weight loss tips. There’s an exhaustive list of those willing to provide information, but more important willing to “sell” you the information. One’s health is nothing to take a gamble on and I’m sure you want to receive the best guidance.
When seeking advice from a health professional, it’s best to know his or her credentials and what experience the individual has in counseling. When you see the credential Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) after someone’s name, you can be certain he or she has gone through adequate training and schooling to be qualified to give nutrition advice.
If you’re unfamiliar with the credential RD or RDN, let’s just go through a quick overview of why you should be consulting a RD:
- They’re nutrition experts: Using their expertise, they’re able to help people make unique, positive lifestyle changes. RD’s are easily accessible at hospitals, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, worksite wellness programs, schools, private practice and throughout local communities.
- Best qualified to provide nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for prevention, wellness and disease management
- Can help reduce hospital doctor’s visits, hospitalization and/or reduced prescription drug coverage by increasing satisfaction levels and productivity
- Apply knowledge and practice of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) evidence based Nutrition Practice Guidelines, which are considered the “gold standard” guidelines to adhere to when working with the general public
- Work as a team with other health care professionals to provide coordinated and cost effective care
- Have received extensive training through academic, hands on and practical experience.
- RD certification requires the minimum attainment of a bachelor’s degree, complete an accredited internship program and complete continuing professional education to uphold their competencies and credential
- MNT provided from 6 months to a year has been contributed to a mean weight loss of up to 10% of body weight for clients
- Helps lower blood pressure, lipid profiles, and A1C levels through continued counseling
And above all, RDs are working for clients to best meet not only their dietary needs, but to help clients live a healthier lifestyle.
Source: eatright.org
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