Registered dietitians most likely to practice what they preach

NEW YORK — Registered dietitians are the most likely to practice what they preach in eating a balanced diet, taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, exercising regularly and engaging in other wellness behaviors as compared with seven other healthcare professional populations, according to the “Life…supplemented” "Healthcare Professionals Impact Studies" released earlier this week by the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

The 2009 study found that 96% of registered dietitians attempted to eat a balanced diet, 96% reported using dietary supplements at least seasonally — 74% said they take them regularly — and as many as 83% testified they exercised regularly, with 80% claiming they maintain a healthy weight.

The research studies, conducted in 2007, 2008 and 2009, are part of the "Life…supplemented" consumer wellness campaign, which is dedicated to helping Americans live a healthy lifestyle by engaging in the three pillars of health: a healthy diet, supplements and exercise.