Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2022 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Adult Weight Management.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-20-2022

Publication Title

J Acad Nutr Diet

Keywords

Adult; Person-Centered; Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Standards of Practice; Weight Management; oregon; newberg

Abstract

A person's weight is an anthropometric measure factored into assessing health risk, not a measure of worth, ability, or overall health. Adult weight management is a spectrum of life-long care services available for persons whose goals can be achieved through evidence-based, weight-related interventions and intersects most practice areas of nutrition. The adult weight management Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is responsible for providing a psychologically safe, accessible, and respectful setting and empowering care to those seeking nutrition services. This requires the RDN to act as an advocate by proactively seeking to identify personal and external weight biases, understanding the impact of those predispositions, and acknowledging how weight-related prejudices are intricately connected with systems that impact nutrition both inside and outside of health care. Increases in average weight influence potentially counterproductive discussions about judgment, an individual's body, and relationship with health. RDNs are equipped to provide dynamic care and be on the forefront of implementing weight-inclusive built environments, policies, and person-centered communications to minimize harm and maximize benefit for the individual and society. The authors, Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee revised the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs in Adult Weight Management to update established criteria of competent practice, further define core values, and set direction for future areas of opportunity. The adult weight management SOP and SOPP are complementary tools intended for RDNs to benchmark and identify progressive routes and goals for professional advancement.

Clinical Institute

Digestive Health

Department

Nutrition

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