CHICAGO – The August 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association contains articles and research studies you may find of interest. Below is a summary of one of this month’s articles. For more information or to receive a copy of a Journal article, e-mail media@eatright.org.
Lifestyle Interventions Led by Registered Dietitians Reduce Health-Care Costs
Adding a lifestyle intervention led by a registered dietitian to the typical care provided to obese people with type 2 diabetes does not increase overall health-care costs and may result in cost savings, according to researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
In a study of nearly 150 people, comparing “lifestyle case management” provided by a registered dietitian to the “usual care” given to obese adults with type 2 diabetes, researchers found the addition of a “clinically feasible, modest-cost lifestyle intervention involving an RD” did not increase total costs and in some cases saved up to $8,046 per person per year compared with usual medical care.
The researchers conclude the study provides “preliminary evidence that moderate-intensity lifestyle intervention using an RD as a lifestyle case management reduces risk, improves quality of life and does so without increasing health-care costs. Given the growing prevalence of both diabetes and obesity and the substantial burden of health care costs to patients, employers and society, effective interventions that are at least cost-neutral should be welcome additions to comprehensive medical care.”
Additional research articles in the August Journal of the American Dietetic Association include:
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the official research publication of the American Dietetic Association and is the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
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 .
Journal of the American Dietetic Association