Cross-Sectional Survey Results of Registered Dietitians of the Weight Management and Diabetes Dietetic Practice Groups of the Academy, Providing Medical Nutrition Therapy to People Using Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist-Based Therapy.
TL;DR
This survey identifies key patterns of consistency and variation in practice among RDNs but also reinforces the integral role that RDNs play in supporting and managing people on GLP-1 RA-based therapy.
Abstract
Background
Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) should be essential contributors to weight management and diabetes care for people using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist-based therapy (GLP-1 RA-based therapy), as they provide education, prevent and manage side effects, and address nutritional deficiencies. Little is known about the practice behaviors of RDNs , providing care to people using these medications.
Objective
To determine demographic, professional characteristics, and practice behaviors of RDNs who provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to people using GLP-1 RA-based therapy diagnosed with either obesity or diabetes.
Design
An online, cross-sectional survey was distributed from May 28, 2025, through June 25, 2025, consisting of 55 questions covering topics such as screening for eating disorders and malnutrition, nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation within the nutrition care process. RESPONDENTS The sample included 212 RDNs who were members of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group and/or the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and had experience working with people receiving GLP-1 RA-based therapy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED Survey data were analyzed via descriptive statistics.
Results
Respondents were female (95.3%), with 20.4 (SD + 11.9) years of experience, 64.1% held a master's degree, and 61.5% worked in an outpatient or ambulatory clinic. Regarding assessment practices, 26.4% screen for eating disorders, 42.9% perform a nutrition-focused physical exam, and 31.1% routinely assess body composition. The RDN respondents most commonly recommend monitoring for Vitamin D (78.2%) and iron (75%) deficiencies. Over 80% of respondents "strongly agree" (62.0%) or "somewhat agree" (22.4%) that there is a need to create specific GLP-1 RA-based therapy MNT practice guidelines.
Conclusions
This survey not only identifies key patterns of consistency and variation in practice among RDNs but also reinforces the integral role that RDNs play in supporting and managing people on GLP-1 RA-based therapy. A majority of RDNs indicated a need to develop dietetic-specific MNT guidelines for GLP-1 RA-based therapy.