Ethics of obesity treatment: implications for dietitians

Dietitians face both a responsibility and an opportunity to address the ethical issues of obesity treatment and to promote weight management strategies that are beneficial and effective. The Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, which was adopted in 1989 to provide guidance to dietetics practitioners in their professional practice and conduct, can serve as a guide in an evaluation of current obesity treatments. Dietitians must help clients be realistic about their weight loss goals and address emotional conflicts that may be undermining weight management efforts. Referrals to therapists may be indicated, and dietitians must be prepared to recognize the need and make the recommendations. Dietitians should take the lead in developing more ethical and beneficial treatments by collaborating with government and industry to protect the consumer from ineffective or potentially harmful practices.