RED ALERT: NUTRITION IN THE NEWS!

Finally, the spotlight is on nutrition and our food system in the United States. RDNS and NDTRS are needed to help lead the way toward better food choices to improve the health of our nation!

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2024, over 40% of Americans are obese, with a higher prevalence in adults aged 40-59. Projections show that if current trends continue, four out of five men and women will be overweight or obese by 2050. Individuals who are classified as being overweight or obese have a significant increase in the likelihood of developing inflammatory and chronic diseases including; diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, and cancer. According to the CDC, about? 60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease and 40% have two or more.

Why is this? The answer is mostly what lies in our pantry. Unfortunately, processed and ultra-processed foods that are high in refined sugar, unhealthy fats and sodium continue to dominate the American food landscape. Our love of refined carbohydrates such as cookies, donuts and cakes, combined with leading inactive or sedentary lifestyles, are shown to increase inflammatory markers and unhealthy blood lipid levels, such as LDL Cholesterol. Research shows that obesity, combined with diets high in refined sugar and saturated fats, may increase inflammatory markers, including C-Reactive Protein. An overabundance of inflammatory markers, in turn, promotes cellular damage and the onset of chronic disease. ????????

While the obesity epidemic and the best way to combat it is not a new conversation for our nation, these worrying trends make it clear that prior approaches to the problem have not been effective. It is time for us to make real, effective changes to our food supply and healthcare system–and embracing whole, real foods as medicine appears to be the path forward. Studies show that adopting a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods combined with an active lifestyle can help reduce weight, adipose tissue, lipid count, blood glucose and inflammation, which are significant risk factors for many chronic diseases. Limiting or reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars can stabilize blood sugar levels, improve mood, and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of which is also part of the current healthcare crisis. Cardiovascular health is also shown to benefit from foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants; such as fish, nuts, and leafy greens.?

Fully utilizing the capabilities of our already-established nutrition experts; Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDNs) and Dietetic Technicians,Registered (NDTRs) would be the most cost effective and efficient way to combat obesity and chronic disease. As RDNs and NDTRs, we need to actively stand together to educate the public that reform of our food system should not be feared! The goal remains to reduce the overconsumption of empty calories in ultra-processed, fatty and sugar laden foods. With this fresh focus on nutrition in recent weeks, now is an ideal time for nutrition professionals to lead the charge; advocating for transparency in the food industry and regulating bodies, while also paving the way for effective and targeted community interventions and education programs.?

written by Leanna Piscetello, RDN