American Dietetic Association - Influence and Positions

Influence and Positions

Through its research journal, the Academy shapes and influences the public and legislative discussion about health, food safety and nutrition. Academy RD’s are regularly quoted in world publications such as New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times Men’s Fitness, O Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and Huffington Post. In 2010, the organization received approximately 30 billion media impressions.

As an organization and research institute, the Academy holds a variety of influential health positions, including:

• The Academy "maintains that the only way to lose weight is through a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise."

• The Academy’s stated position is that “there are no good or bad foods, only good and bad diets.” According to the Academy such labeling or “bumpers” confuse the public.

• The Academy states that "exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of life and breastfeeding with complementary foods from 6 months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants."

• The Academy "believes that up to two servings of soy per day for adults could be part of a healthy diet."

• The Academy has stated that a "well planned vegan diet" (no meat, dairy or animal products) is appropriate and healthy for babies.

• The Academy states that to combat the obesity epidemic, adults and children need access to healthy foods, education on eating well, and preventative health services, including counseling by registered dietitians. They supports the White House and Michelle Obama’s efforts to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.

• The Academy opposed mandated labeling of "trans fats" on food packaging.

• The Academy has given low ratings to the high-protein no-carb diet (known as the Atkins Diet), insisting that the diet is "unhealthy and the weight loss is temporary." The Academy maintains that carbohydrates are not responsible for weight gain any more than other forms of calories.

• The Academy states that children who eat breakfast have better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye hand coordination. Children who do not eat breakfast are tired at school and eat more junk food.