Nutrition Faculty

New York Times: Sapna Batheja quoted about the nutritional value of eggs, specifically in regard to protein

tthoma8 — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:20:32 +0000

New York Times: Sapna Batheja quoted about the nutritional value of eggs, specifically in regard to protein tthoma8 Wed, 04/02/2025 - 13:20

In This Story

Sapna Batheja, PhD, RDN, LDN

How Healthy Are Eggs? Also in Actitud925 (translation may be required; Spain), dieselgasoil, and fmalpina (Argentina).

Topics

George Mason nutrition graduate students lead advocacy efforts for policy to protect food safety and access for infants and children

tthoma8 — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:30:31 +0000

George Mason nutrition graduate students lead advocacy efforts for policy to protect food safety and access for infants and children tthoma8 Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:30

Faculty and staff from the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and students in the Master of Science in Nutrition, dietetics concentration, program took a trip to Richmond, Virginia, to meet state legislators and participate in Nutrition Legislative Day with the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND). Students spoke directly with the Chiefs of Staff for several members of the Virginia House of Delegates, offering novel insight as up-and-coming nutrition professionals.

Abby Suchoski, a dietetics student, and her cohort showcased the valuable perspectives of students in pioneering the intersection of nutrition science and health policy development. Suchoski explains the importance of advocacy by nutrition students and professionals in solving existing and evolving public health nutrition challenges.

What is the role of nutritionists in influencing health policy?

As nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and registered nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTRs) have the knowledge and firsthand experience to influence public policy regarding nutrition. They serve as the bridge between clients and legislation, as they can bring insights from their careers to advocate for change.

What is the significance of students in advocating for policy and interacting directly with legislators?

By attending Legislative Day, I gained deeper insight into how much we can contribute to our communities, even at such an early stage in our paths to becoming dietitians. I initially thought the representatives, or their staff, would only want to talk with the leaders of our groups, but they were genuinely interested in learning more about us and why we believed the bills were important. Students bring fresh perspectives as emerging professionals eager to speak up and help create meaningful change. Meeting with policymakers in person and sharing experiences is not only a great way to make a lasting impression but also a valuable experience for us students.

What policy topic was being advocated for this year?

There were two bills VAND was highlighting. The first focused on the coverage and regulation of donor breast milk. This bill protects infants by requiring a license for anyone operating a donor milk bank, ensuring the milk’s safety and quality. The bill also seeks to provide coverage for donor milk for infants under six months of age, as donor milk can be expensive.

The second bill aimed to create a universal school breakfast program, as evidence shows that children learn and perform better when they aren’t hungry. This would also be a way to reduce the stigma associated with food support programs.

How has the College of Public Health MS dietetics program prepared you to advocate for public health nutrition policy?

The College's MS dietetics program has prepared me to advocate for public health and nutrition policy by providing me not only with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with legislators, but also with the confidence to do so.

Dietetic students, faculty, and staff pictured along the steps of the Virginia State Capitol at Legislative Day.
For names of those pictured, see below.

George Mason’s Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics degree is accredited as a Future Education Model graduate program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program prepares students to address public health challenges involving nutrition and food science, nationally and globally. Graduates from the dietetic concentration program are taught to master the Nutrition Care Process to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and leave eligible to sit for the RDN registration exam.

Each year, VAND invites its members, student interns, and students to meet Virginia state legislators, to advocate for legislation important to the profession. This is the 2nd annual visit to the Virginia legislature that George Mason faculty and students in the MS dietetic program attended. All 10 students in the third cohort of the MS program were in attendance and met with state legislators who represent George Mason University and where they reside. Students learned about public policy at the state and federal level which will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the patients, clients, and citizens that they will serve as credentialed dietitians.

Photo names 2nd row, left to right:

Allison McKay, Department Manager Nutrition and Food Studies Department

SJ Brown, Student

Madison Banks, Student

Aria Bahadur, Student

Dr. Allison Miner, RDN, Assistant Professor, Dietetics MS Program

Photo names 1st row, left to right:

Dr. Sapna Batheja, RDN, Director Dietetics MS Program

Bri Schuh, Student

Abby Suchoski, Student

Mihar Rahonintsoa, Student

Donia Kerasi, Student

Hana Khan, Student

Nancy Villatoro, Student

Topics

Child and Adolescent Health

infant health

Health Policy and Reform

Medical Xpress: Picks up story about research by Martin Binks finding college students and older adults gain holiday weight in different ways

tthoma8 — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:51:36 +0000

Medical Xpress: Picks up story about research by Martin Binks finding college students and older adults gain holiday weight in different ways tthoma8 Tue, 01/21/2025 - 09:51

In This Story

Martin Binks PhD, MBA

Yes, college students gain holiday weight too—but in the form of muscle, not fat. Also in Newsmedical.net, Mirage News (Australia), Science Daily, TodayNews24, MedIndia, and other outlets.

Topics

Obesity

College Students

Food and Nutrition

Nutrition and Weight Management

MSN (translation may be required): Taylor Wallace quoted in article about chemical compositions of different cooking oils, explains why fatty acids are harmful and offers alternatives

tthoma8 — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:21:28 +0000

MSN (translation may be required): Taylor Wallace quoted in article about chemical compositions of different cooking oils, explains why fatty acids are harmful and offers alternatives tthoma8 Tue, 01/21/2025 - 09:21

What is the healthiest oil for cooking? Also in El Universal (translation may be required; Mexico).

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MSN (translation may be required): Lawrence Cheskin featured in commentary on fat loss in the abdomen. Also in La Razón.

tthoma8 — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:56:34 +0000

MSN (translation may be required): Lawrence Cheskin featured in commentary on fat loss in the abdomen. Also in La Razón. tthoma8 Mon, 12/09/2024 - 09:56

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

I am a fitness trainer and this is how I managed to burn belly fat. Also in La Razón.

Topics

Nutrition and Weight Management

National Geographic (subscription may be required): Lawrence Cheskin quoted in article about stopping intrusive thoughts about food.

tthoma8 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:43:57 +0000

National Geographic (subscription may be required): Lawrence Cheskin quoted in article about stopping intrusive thoughts about food. tthoma8 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 12:43

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Can’t stop thinking about your next meal? That’s ‘food noise’ – here’s how to stop it.

Topics

UPI: Raedeh Basiri’s comments on need for broader sodium reduction policies and monitoring in article about high levels of salt in restaurant meals.

tthoma8 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:02:38 +0000

UPI: Raedeh Basiri’s comments on need for broader sodium reduction policies and monitoring in article about high levels of salt in restaurant meals. tthoma8 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 12:02

In This Story

Raedeh Basiri, PhD, RDN

Despite improvements, salt in restaurant meals remains high, can hurt the heart.

Topics

Salem Leader: Taylor Wallace among those quoted in article about salt substitutes.

tthoma8 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:49:35 +0000

Salem Leader: Taylor Wallace among those quoted in article about salt substitutes. tthoma8 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:49

Skip the Salt, but Keep the Flavor.

Topics

Healthnews: Martin Binks quoted in an article about the potential impact of semaglutide on libido and connection to weight loss and quality of life in individuals with obesity.

tthoma8 — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:27:58 +0000

Healthnews: Martin Binks quoted in an article about the potential impact of semaglutide on libido and connection to weight loss and quality of life in individuals with obesity. tthoma8 Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:27

In This Story

Martin Binks PhD, MBA

Semaglutide May Raise Libido, Patients Say.

Topics

Diabetes

Obesity

Sexual Health

Nutrition and Weight Management

Nutrition Faculty

cph in the media

In the Media

Social and structural factors are key drivers of disparities in obesity rates

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 21:30:28 +0000

Social and structural factors are key drivers of disparities in obesity rates Mary Cunningham Mon, 08/05/2024 - 17:30

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Michelle S. Williams, PhD, MSPH

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It has been increasing among adults of all races and ethnicities over the last two decades; however, obesity is higher among Non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, and American Indian or Alaska Native adults, than their White and Asian counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health. Adults with lower income also have higher risk of obesity than those with a high income.

Michelle S. Williams, associate professor of community and global health

A George Mason University College of Public Health team of interprofessional researchers analyzed the last five years of literature to determine how social and structural determinants of health and social injustice impact the risk of obesity, its treatment and treatment outcomes, and explored the implications for prevention and future treatment interventions.

“We found that social determinants of health, such as where someone lives, and social inequities are primary drivers of obesity disparities,” said Michelle S. Williams, associate professor of community and global health. “Many of these determinants can be modified through interventions to reduce obesity.”

Social determinants of health that affect obesity include where someone lives and their access to healthy food, access to health insurance and obesity health care, safe places to be physically active, and policies to promote health behavior.

Lawrence Cheskin, professor of nutrition and food studies

“Population-based, equity-focused interventions that address the underlying causes of obesity disparities are needed to reduce these disparities and improve the health outcomes of minoritized and marginalized groups,” said Lawrence Cheskin, professor of nutrition and food studies. “The good news is that there are successful examples of public health interventions that communities can support to reduce obesity.”

Successful examples include community-based interventions that focus on improving neighborhood conditions, discouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, expanding access to obesity treatment, building safe green and play spaces, and ensuring equitable access to fruits and vegetables.

“Even with these known successful interventions, more work needs to be done to expand and broaden programs, activities, and initiatives at the local, state, and national level in the many communities that continue to be negatively impacted by social and structural determinants of health and social injustices,” said Williams. “Public health workers can’t achieve these changes alone; policy makers must include strategies and money for these strategies in their policies at all government levels.”

The researchers conducted a review of literature published within the last five years focused on the social and structural determinants of obesity among minoritized and marginalized adults in the United States.

“Social and Structural Determinants of Health and Social Injustices Contributing to Obesity Disparities” was published online in Current Obesity Reports in June 2024. Sheila J. McKinney from Jackson State University is a co-author on the paper.

Topics

Obesity

Social Determinants of Health

Nutrition Faculty

public health faculty

public health research

GCH Research