FNCE: GLP-1s Are Reshaping the Role of Dietitians in Obesity

At FNCE yesterday, the Weight Management practice group presented the changing role of dietitians in weight management with remarkable clarity – something GLP-1s are bringing at a dizzying pace. Colleen Tewksbury summed up the very essence of this change, saying:

“We are shifting the focus from quantity to quality of nutrition in weight management.”

It used to be that dietitians had to work at the near impossible task of helping people overcome this disease through dietary restriction. Through behavioral techniques designed to create and maintain a caloric deficit.

Through case presentations, Tewksbury, Kellene Isom, and Ariana Chao walked hundreds of dietitians through the many ways that the wide use of GLP-1s can serve to empower dietitians in obesity care. Mary Gray Hixon, who chairs the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, served as chair of this session.

Transformational

Chao told the assembled group that “this is truly a transformational time in obesity care.” All of the speakers took pains to explain that the evidence base is thin to support broad generalizations about best practices for nutritional support in this emerging era of advanced obesity medicines.

But this does not in any way limit the value that dietitians can bring. In fact, it makes their expertise for providing individualized guidance all the more valuable. For instance, Tewksbury told us that prioritizing protein is very likely to become best practice for patients treating these patients. However, the guidance to prioritize protein will need to be specific to the needs of each patient.

And then finally, Isom explained how dietitians can play the essential role in helping patients cope with side effects that can become treatment-limiting. Above all, she recommended listening first in solving these problems.

In short, to help people enjoy the full benefits of advanced obesity medicines, dietitians can become indispensable. This is a time to step up.

For further perspective from registered dietitians, click here.

Ariana Chao at FNCE, photograph by Ted Kyle / ConscienHealth

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October 14, 2025