Energy Balance at a Crossroads
Dietetics education is a process of accruing knowledge and skills that are subsequently implemented within the field. As registered dietitian–nutritionists (RDN) grow professionally, they layer new knowledge, skills, and experience onto existing foundations. The layering effect allows dietetics students to move from the novice level in undergraduate programs to competency in the coordinated or internship programs and ultimately to proficient dietetics practitioners. Education standards, established by the Accreditation Council on Education for Nutrition and Dietetics, are in place to ensure that the proficient practitioner is ready for an entry-level position in the work force. In February 2012, new education standards were released for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics, Internships for Nutrition and Dietetics, and Coordinated Nutrition and Dietetics Programs. Current standards do not address knowledge or skills in the areas of exercise science or PA (2012 Standards for Dietitian Education Programs, available at: http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/). In general, dietetics students are trained to work with individuals in applying the Nutrition Care Process and prescribing diet recommendations for prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. To lead effective interventions that help Americans achieve and maintain healthy body weights, RDN must understand the dynamic nature of energy balance. The lack of education requirements related to the role of PA in energy balance and chronic disease prevention may limit nutrition and dietetics practitioners to only one side of the equation when working with today's overweight and obese pediatric and adult populations.
Within the exercise science area, formal education on the energy expenditure side of the equation has focused on exercise prescription. Exercise science students are typically trained to work with people to prescribe exercise for fitness and/or sports performance, whereas others are trained in bench and laboratory sciences. Although this training has its place, much of the research and public health recommendations have shifted from exercise for fitness to PA and exercise for health and prevention of chronic disease. Exercise science educators need additional training in nutrition and in the field of PA and health at the population level. How do we prepare exercise science students to help reduce the obesity epidemic and its associated chronic diseases? This goal cannot be accomplished by having students simply take one course in nutrition or vice versa. Students need to be trained using a multidisciplinary model that includes a curriculum in exercise/PA and an understanding of nutrition and behavior sciences. This approach would enable students to better understand the factors that can prevent or reduce overweight and obesity.
These educational approaches will help the RDN and the exercise science professional work together. They will better understand the scope of practice and language used within each profession and the role each can play in helping clients. Finally, it will help them work together within schools and communities to achieve healthier lifestyles.
Energy Balance Education: Preparing the Next Generation of Educators in Nutrition and Dietetics and Exercise Science
Dietetics education is a process of accruing knowledge and skills that are subsequently implemented within the field. As registered dietitian–nutritionists (RDN) grow professionally, they layer new knowledge, skills, and experience onto existing foundations. The layering effect allows dietetics students to move from the novice level in undergraduate programs to competency in the coordinated or internship programs and ultimately to proficient dietetics practitioners. Education standards, established by the Accreditation Council on Education for Nutrition and Dietetics, are in place to ensure that the proficient practitioner is ready for an entry-level position in the work force. In February 2012, new education standards were released for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics, Internships for Nutrition and Dietetics, and Coordinated Nutrition and Dietetics Programs. Current standards do not address knowledge or skills in the areas of exercise science or PA (2012 Standards for Dietitian Education Programs, available at: http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/). In general, dietetics students are trained to work with individuals in applying the Nutrition Care Process and prescribing diet recommendations for prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. To lead effective interventions that help Americans achieve and maintain healthy body weights, RDN must understand the dynamic nature of energy balance. The lack of education requirements related to the role of PA in energy balance and chronic disease prevention may limit nutrition and dietetics practitioners to only one side of the equation when working with today's overweight and obese pediatric and adult populations.
Within the exercise science area, formal education on the energy expenditure side of the equation has focused on exercise prescription. Exercise science students are typically trained to work with people to prescribe exercise for fitness and/or sports performance, whereas others are trained in bench and laboratory sciences. Although this training has its place, much of the research and public health recommendations have shifted from exercise for fitness to PA and exercise for health and prevention of chronic disease. Exercise science educators need additional training in nutrition and in the field of PA and health at the population level. How do we prepare exercise science students to help reduce the obesity epidemic and its associated chronic diseases? This goal cannot be accomplished by having students simply take one course in nutrition or vice versa. Students need to be trained using a multidisciplinary model that includes a curriculum in exercise/PA and an understanding of nutrition and behavior sciences. This approach would enable students to better understand the factors that can prevent or reduce overweight and obesity.
These educational approaches will help the RDN and the exercise science professional work together. They will better understand the scope of practice and language used within each profession and the role each can play in helping clients. Finally, it will help them work together within schools and communities to achieve healthier lifestyles.