To Promote Health And Health Equity, Include Quality Nutrition Care As Part Of Anti-Obesity Medication Therapy

Health Affairs May 9, 2024
Bob Blancato, Martha A. Dawson, Kristi Mitchell, Jeanne Blankenship

Much attention has been directed toward the approval and rapid growth of several new classes of medications that target obesity. While we see anti-obesity medications as a welcome tool, they should not be put to use without other essential elements of comprehensive care, especially nutrition.

Without policies that ensure quality nutrition care is included in obesity treatment, there will continue to be a care gap. Moreover, individuals on anti-obesity medications may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies, higher rates of muscle loss, and other common concerns for those losing substantial weight. Fortunately, there is a frontline, low-cost, high-value intervention for obesity that can help address these concerns: medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

As defined in statute, MNT is “nutritional diagnostic, therapy...

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