In a nation as resource-rich as the United States, it is paradoxical that we face an epidemic of diet-related health issues. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions tied to nutrition continue to surge, burdening individuals and the healthcare system alike.
At the heart of addressing this crisis lies a twofold solution: ensuring a healthy, accessible food supply and increasing access to cost-effective services of registered dietitian nutritionists, or RDNs.
In 2023, 13.5% of American households—representing 47.4 million individuals, including 13.8 million children—experienced food insecurity, an increase from previous years. Certain populations, including Black (23.3%), Latino (21.9%), and Native American households (25%), face disproportionately higher rates of food insecurity, as do rural (15.4%) and urban (15.9%) communities compared to suburban areas (11.7%).
Nutrition is the foundation of health, profoundly influencing both physical and mental well-being. The food we consume shapes every aspect of our lives—from the developing brains of infants to the cognitive health of older adults, impacting energy levels, disease risk, and overall quality of life. Yet, for far too long, systemic barriers like food deserts, financial limitations, and misleading food marketing have undermined access to the nutritious foods essential for a thriving society.
A robust, healthy food supply—defined by availability, affordability, and nutritional quality—is a cornerstone of public health. Policies aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and ensuring access to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are essential, and being able to purchase nutritious foods is not a mere luxury but a necessity. By prioritizing these efforts, we can begin to combat the disparities within our population.
Nutrition is not just the foundation of health—it is a powerful tool for managing and treating chronic diseases. Registered dietitians play a pivotal role in this effort. Beyond education, registered dietitians provide evidence-based nutrition therapy that empowers individuals with chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, to prolong organ function and reduce reliance on medications.
In diabetes care, they help patients improve blood sugar control, often reducing the need for drug interventions. By translating complex nutritional science into personalized, actionable strategies, RDNs address the unique needs of each individual, bridging the gap between science and improved health outcomes.
When RDNs are integrated into primary care, patients gain access to personalized nutrition guidance that not only enhances quality of life but also reduces reliance on medications and lowers healthcare costs. The recent surge in the use of weight-loss drugs underscores this need: Without comprehensive lifestyle and nutrition interventions led by RDNs, weight regain is common, rendering these costly medications less effective and often wasted. RDNs provide the sustainable solutions necessary to support long-term health and maximize the impact of medical treatments.
Improving the nation’s health requires collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities. Federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) must evolve to better integrate nutrition education and expand access to healthy foods. These programs should focus on providing resources that empower families to make sustainable, healthy choices while addressing systemic barriers. Simultaneously, investments in nutrition education in schools and public awareness campaigns can foster lifelong healthy eating habits.
Failing to address the food and nutrition crisis will perpetuate the vicious cycle of poor health, rising medical costs, and economic inequality. The burden of diet-related diseases falls disproportionately on marginalized communities, deepening existing health disparities. By neglecting to act, we not only harm individual lives but also undermine the nation’s collective well-being and productivity.
The path forward is clear, and the time to act is now. Ensuring a healthy food supply and integrating RDNs into health care more extensively are critical steps toward building a healthier and more equitable future. Through science-based nutrition practices, RDNs simplify the path to understanding healthy eating, making it practical and accessible rather than complex and exclusive.
By investing in these solutions, we can empower individuals to take control of their health, reduce preventable diseases, and create lasting change. Nutrition is not just a choice—it is a fundamental right and a public health imperative that demands our collective commitment.
Livleen Gill is president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.