ID HCR019

Nearly 62% of Idaho's adult residents are overweight or obese due to poor nutrition and physical inactivity, increasing risk for costly chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity-related cancers.

A 5% reduction in average Body Mass Index (BMI) in Idaho's citizens could lead to health care savings of more than $1 billion in ten years and $3 billion in twenty years.

Registered dietitians are trained medical professionals licensed through the Idaho State Board of Medicine who deliver Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) with documented positive outcomes in BMI, blood sugar levels, and heart disease risk reduction.

The Legislature finds that registered dietitians can help Idaho residents select nutritious foods, prevent and manage diseases through MNT and counseling, and provide nutrition education in schools, workplaces, clinics, and other venues.

Providing MNT and professional nutrition counseling by Idaho registered dietitians in conjunction with existing insurance-covered services will significantly impact chronic disease management and produce health care cost savings.