Addressing America's Obesity Epidemic: The Growing Need for Nutrition Experts
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 8:00 AM
Here's some news that probably isn’t too shocking. Obesity in the U.S. has reached alarming levels. Between 2017 and early 2020, 41.9% of adults were classified as obese, while severe obesity affected 9.2% of the population.
This means over 100 million adults are having problems with keeping their weight at healthy levels, with more than 22 million facing severe obesity. Obesity also comes with obesity related comorbidities —58% of adults with obesity also have high blood pressure, and 23% have diabetes, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
As healthcare costs rise and more people are looking for ways to get healthier and to minimize future healthcare visits, there's a growing need for professionals who can help those in need find alternative ways to live healthier beyond diet plans.
That’s where integrative nutrition comes in, one of the courses offered in our MSHS with a concentration in nutrition program. Let’s talk more about it!
What is Integrative Nutrition?
Integrative nutrition is about more than just nutritional interventions, but rather a holistic approach to treating the problem as a whole. This approach considers things such as environmental and psychological factors and incorporates elements such as wellness, exercise, psychology, and even spiritually.
Why is integrative nutrition important? Because well-being is more than just nutritional changes, it’s also about the person's lifestyle, how they are doing mentally, and the place they live. We look at all aspects of a person’s life to provide holistic approaches to incorporate positive life changes which will lead to complete wellness. Holistic approaches that are discussed include yoga, religion, complementary and alternative medicine including herbs/spices and body manipulation such as massage and chiropractic work.
These are the types of situations dietitians and nutrition professionals investigate and manage. It's about giving evidence based, individualized to meet the patient’s goals and improve their health. .
Hear it from our students
Esli Ceballos, a graduate of the UTRGV MSHS Nutrition program, shared how the program shaped her professional journey:
"Graduating with my Master’s Degree has fueled my passion for nutritional health coaching and affirmed my dedication to improving health outcomes," said Esli. "The well-structured curriculum, balanced information, and supportive learning environment were instrumental in my academic and professional development."
Esli's experience highlights the real-world benefits of earning a master’s degree. Not only did she gain a strong academic foundation, but the program also opened doors to leadership roles and higher-income positions in the field.
Students like Esli in the program benefit from a well-rounded education that includes not only courses in nutrition but also foundational knowledge in healthcare, legal and ethical issues, and health information systems. This combination ensures that graduates are not only skilled nutritionists but also well-versed in the broader context of healthcare, making them highly marketable for leadership roles and higher-paying positions.
Elevate Your Integrative Nutrition Skills with an MSHS degree
UTRGV’s accelerated online MSHS program with a concentration in Nutrition is the only one of its kind in Texas. Whether you’re at home or on the go, the fully online format allows you to complete your degree while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
In addition to coursework that covers nutrition, obesity prevention, and disease management, students will gain hands-on experience in creating individualized plans for managing health conditions like diabetes and obesity—both of which are on the rise due to the obesity epidemic.
A Path to Fulfilling and Impactful Careers
As the healthcare industry shifts toward more holistic approaches, the need for nutrition experts who understand the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Nutritionists job outlook from 2023 - 2033 is expected to grow 7% (faster than average).
Are you ready to join a program that combines affordable education, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a real difference?
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/php/data-research/adult-obesity-facts.html#:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm
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