Key Takeaways
- GLP-1s are here to stay: RDs are focused on helping patients use these medications safely and sustainably, integrating nutrition therapy and lifestyle guidance alongside medication
- Women’s health finally coming to the forefront of conversation: Sessions shined a spotlight on topics, such as menopause, PCOS, and hormone balance, emphasizing personalized, evidence-based approaches over one-size-fits-all care
- Fiber and hydration are the new focus: Protein is no longer dominating the spotlight, as RDs emphasize fiber and hydration as tools for improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being
- Technology is empowering care: By using AI, diagnostics, and data-driven tools, RDs are proving that technology can strengthen, not substitute, the human element of nutrition care
- Integrated care is expanding: RDs are engaging with a broader set of interdisciplinary providers to deliver care, collaborating with providers like pelvic floor PTs and women’s health specialists to better address complex issues like gut health, menopause, and postpartum recovery
Context
Every year, FNCE is the largest gathering of dietetics and nutrition professionals in the country. Thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors convene to exhibit their products, connect with peers, and educate themselves on the latest in nutrition. After this year’s conference, we surveyed some of the 300 Nourish RDs in attendance to capture their key insights and reflections.
Top 3 Trends That Defined FNCE 2025
GLP-1s Are Making Their Mark
The conversation around GLP-1s dominated both the sessions and the expo floor. RDs explored how to support patients using GLP-1s safely and sustainably, with a focus on balancing medication management with lifestyle interventions.
“A dietitian’s role in supporting patients on GLP-1s is more important than ever - our goal is to make nutrition sustainable, not restrictive.”
Renewed Attention on Women’s Health and Hormones
Menopause, PCOS, and the role of soy and phytoestrogens saw heightened focus. RDs emphasized personalized, evidence-based solutions over one-size-fits-all approaches, noting that strategies may change across a woman’s lifespan.
“This year reiterated the need for more research in women’s health - I’ve already been talking more about potential products like inositol for PCOS and creatine for muscle mass maintenance.”
Fiber, Hydration, and Gut Health Take Center Stage
While protein remains a hot topic, fiber emerged as a new focus, with hydration and gut health woven into numerous discussions. From prebiotic drinks to microbiome testing, RDs are shifting toward using fiber and hydration functionally, particularly for improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
“Finally, we’re moving from protein as the darling to fiber as the nutritional superstar - it’s long overdue.”
Other Notable Trends
- Less focus on plant-based proteins in favor of animal proteins
- Telehealth companies expanding reach and establishing virtual care as a cornerstone of modern practice
- Supplement companies focusing on “functional” blends for women’s health, gut health, and metabolic support
Two Approaches RDs Are Bringing Back to Their Patients
When asked what they would take back to their practice, RDs pointed to two major themes: integrating technology to strengthen care and broadening interdisciplinary collaboration.
Leveraging Tech, Not Running From It
FNCE reinforced the growing role of data and diagnostics in nutrition therapy. Sessions on AI, nutrigenomics, and functional testing (like GI MAP) demonstrated how technology can enhance, rather than replace, the human side of care. RDs left feeling empowered to integrate these tools as valuable components into their practice.
“I’m excited to use more screening tools for nutrition risk and pelvic floor health, and to apply data from wearables to fine-tune my patients’ plans.”
Expanding the Scope of Integrated Care
The growing scope of interdisciplinary care was evident at FNCE 2025. RDs are broadening collaboration to encompass pelvic floor and women’s health specialists to better address complex issues such as gut health, menopause, and postpartum recovery.
“We can’t look at nutrition through a single lens anymore. Partnering with pelvic floor therapists and other women’s health specialists helps us see the whole picture - not just what’s on the plate.”
Bonus! Nourish RDs’ Favorite Sessions from FNCE
Hot Topics in Nutrition: Hard Truths Behind the Hype
This session explored today’s most debated nutrition topics, from trending diets and sweeteners to ultra-processed foods and agricultural practices. Attendees learned to critically evaluate health information across media platforms and translate into clear, practical messages for patients.
“It reminded me how important it is to help patients cut through the noise - there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, especially in menopause care.”
PCOS Meets Menopause: Nutrition Strategies for Midlife Metabolic Health
This session delved into how Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) impacts individuals through perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the metabolic challenges beyond reproductive years. The presentation emphasized changes in PCOS characteristics, associated health risks, and evidence-based approaches to reduce complications in weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Attendees also learned about culinary strategies to support patients with PCOS during the menopausal transition.
“I learned so much about women’s health and the connection between PCOS and menopause - these are tools I can apply right away.”
Beyond the Gym: Unlocking the Full Potential of Creatine for Health and Wellbeing
This session highlighted the expanding research on creatine, revealing benefits beyond athletic performance, including roles in women’s, bone, and brain health. Attendees learned about effective dosing strategies, how to manage side effects, and when supplementation is appropriate. The program offered a balanced perspective to help professionals confidently and realistically recommend creatine in practice.
“Creatine monohydrate is not only safe but recommended, if used effectively - I’ll be talking about it with more of my patients, especially women looking to build lean mass.”
Do you have any of these insurances?
