Members of the Utah Academy of Nutrtion & Dietetics (UAND) would like to publicly thank Representative Matheson  for taking the time to meet with UAND Board Members to discuss the H.R. 2415: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013. We appreciate Rep. Matheson’s support of the the bill as a co-sponsor!

Overweight and obesity affect 56.7% of adults in Utah County. Because of the high health care costs related to obesity – $210 billion/year – strategies to effectively treat obesity can have a clinical and economic benefits. Research has shown that registered dietitians are two times as likely to help patients lose weight and bill less than other providers, thus leading to better results at a lower cost. This bill would remove unnecessary barriers for a variety of qualified practitioners, including registered dietitians, to provide these services to older Americans.

Thank you, again, Rep. Matheson, for recognizing the significant role registered dietitians can play in effectively treating obesity while saving health care costs.