Enhancing Clinical Dietitians’ Knowledge and Screening Practices for Eating Disorders

Abstract

United States Military Veterans and active-duty service members have an increased risk for eating disorders due to rigid lived experiences and job-imposed restrictions surrounding eating, physicality, and body composition. Previous studies suggest that eating disorders affect 9% of male Veterans and 19% of female Veterans, but these figures are likely underreported.

Because registered dietitians have unique expertise in the interconnectedness of food, nutrition, and overall well-being, they are well-positioned to identify, screen for, and aid in the treatment of eating disorders in clinical healthcare settings such as the Veterans Health Administration medical centers. A survey gauging clinical dietitians’ knowledge of eating disorder treatment and screening tools was conducted with the Eating Disorder Treatment Team (EDTT) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Individualized interviews with the EDTT were also completed to better understand these clinicians’ expertise, best practices, and attitudes about screening for and treating eating disorders.

Upon determining that the EDTT team wanted to build confidence in screening and treating eating disorders, two training sessions were conducted which focused on the use of eating disorder screening tools, integration of appropriate language, and knowledge of community-based resources for Veterans with eating disorders or disordered eating. These training sessions were presented during March and April 2025. Following the second session, participants completed a survey reflecting on what they learned and how they will apply their new knowledge into practice. Changes in eating disorder screening were also monitored by department leaders.

This project improved clinical dietitians’ knowledge of screening practices and eating disorder treatment. The clinical dietitians at the Martinsburg VAMC have begun utilizing screening tools with their patients, feel confident in their skills, and continue to make a lasting impact on patients' lives. The results of this program indicate that a project like this can be implemented at VAMCs around the country and for other health care professionals in order to enhance eating disorder knowledge and education.