Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions for Adults in the General Population: A Position Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Council on Exercise

Abstract

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Council on Exercise that nutrition and physical activity interventions delivered by qualified nutrition and exercise practitioners, within their scopes of practice, can improve lifestyle behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors for adults in the general population. Effective interventions require client-centered, evidence-based care provided by skilled practitioners using inclusive, dynamic methods, and collaboration with an interprofessional team, as appropriate. Increased access to evidence-based nutrition and physical activity interventions is necessary to improve public health and should be a target for policymakers, health care systems, and practitioners. Adults who attain a nutritious diet and adequate physical activity have improved overall health compared with their counterparts. However, most adults do not meet population recommendations. Qualified nutrition and exercise practitioners can collaborate with clients and interprofessional teams to provide nutrition and physical activity interventions and improve outcomes. However, recent guidelines have identified a need for guidance on best practices for delivering behavioral lifestyle counseling, referring to other practitioners, and improving access to disease prevention services. This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper aims to address common barriers for nutrition and exercise practitioners providing nutrition and physical activity interventions for adults in the general population, and best practices for overcoming these barriers. Collective action from interprofessional practitioners and implementation partners can increase access to high-quality, individualized services to prevent disease and improve health and well-being on a population level. This position was approved in July 2024 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2031.