06/25/07

American Dietetic Association Publishes Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guideline for Registered Dietitians on Pediatric Weight Management

FOR RELEASE JUNE 25, 2007

Media contact: Doris Acosta, Tom Ryan     
800/877-1600, ext. 4822, 4894     
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association has published new evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for registered dietitians on pediatric weight management.

“This guideline, the first of its kind, contains recommendations that will assist registered dietitians on appropriate nutrition care for children and adolescents who are overweight and obese,” says registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association president Connie B. Diekman. “It has been systematically developed by RDs who are experts in this field and by specialists trained in conducting and analyzing scientific research.”

The guideline is available on ADA’s online Evidence Analysis Library, which summarizes for registered dietitians the results of the best available research and offers recommendations for RDs to follow in their treatment of clients and patients. ADA earlier published evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for registered dietitians on disorders of lipid metabolism, adult weight management and critical illness.

The guidelines have been reviewed by multidisciplinary teams consisting of RDs, physicians, pharmacists, registered nurses and faculty from institutions including Harvard Medical School, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Texas, University of Tennessee and Oregon Health and Science University.

The new pediatric weight management guideline offers treatment recommendations including setting weight goals; group and individual treatment; family participation; nutrition counseling and behavior therapy strategies. It also offers registered dietitians recommendations on dietary interventions including energy restriction, reduced glycemic load, physical activity and more.

For an executive summary of ADA’s Pediatric Weight Management Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guideline, visit http://www.adaevidencelibrary.com/topic.cfm?cat=3013. For details on republishing information contained in the guideline, visit http://www.adaevidencelibrary.com/content.cfm?content_code=help:faq.

Recommendations in ADA’s guidelines, as well as grades assigned to the strength of the scientific evidence used in supporting the recommendations, should not be interpreted as endorsements by the American Dietetic Association of any brand-name product or service. Consumers who want to know more about nutrition and health are encouraged to consult with a registered dietitian in their area.

With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.


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