Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Champions Medicare Bill That Would Increase Access to Obesity Care by RDNs

July 20, 2023

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends the introduction on July 20 of the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act by U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (Del.) and Bill Cassidy (La.) and U.S. Reps. Brad Wenstrup (Ohio), Raul Ruiz (Calif.) and Gwen Moore (Wisc.). The bill would improve access to health care and reduce costs by allowing registered dietitian nutritionists and other qualified professionals to provide services and treatments that are effective in addressing the obesity epidemic.

The Academy calls on Congress to pass the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.

“Following the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, there has been increased interest in the role that medical nutrition therapy plays in addressing obesity rates that have nearly doubled among adults in the last decade,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and the Academy’s 2023-2024 President Lauri Wright.

“By providing better options for health care professionals, including intervention and counseling by RDNs and safe, innovative medications approved for obesity management, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act is a critical step in the right direction,” she said.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would provide clinically effective and cost-effective solutions for nearly 40% of Medicare beneficiaries and have positive implications for all Americans with obesity, Wright said.

“If passed, TROA will allow registered dietitian nutritionists and other highly qualified nutrition and health practitioners to independently provide intensive behavioral counseling services and will provide access to other effective treatments for Medicare beneficiaries who have obesity,” she said.

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Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.