An Interview with Sarah Ohlhorst and The American Society for Nutrition

Sarah Ohlhorst, M.S., R.D., Senior Director of Advocacy and Science Policy for the American Society for Nutrition. She is also a Registered Dietician.  

1.What is your organization’s interest in the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance?

Established in 1928, the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is the nation’s preeminent nutrition research and practice organization reaching more than 35 million individuals each year with science-based nutrition information and education and advocacy activities. ASN brings together lab scientists, practicing clinicians and healthcare professionals, population health researchers and community intervention investigators to collaborate and share their research in order to identify solutions to today’s greatest nutrition challenges. Our membership also includes rising leaders in the field – undergraduate, graduate and medical students from around the world.

ASN has been a partner of OAAA since its inception, as nutrition plays a vital role in the management of osteoarthritis, particularly in the aging population. Many ASN members conduct research to better understand the intersection of nutrition and OA. Proper nutrition from diet and supplements and lifestyle management including physical activity and weight management may mitigate OA symptoms, and improve bone health and overall health outcomes. We have a much greater impact working as an alliance to contribute to awareness and promotion of weight management strategies to prevent osteoarthritis and other debilitating chronic diseases.

2. What do you think is the most important issue today related to osteoarthritis?

Educating the public on how to adopt healthful dietary patterns can help prevent the onset of OA and improve overall quality of life. With the rise of childhood obesity, we have seen a definite impact on long-term health and increased risk for chronic diseases like OA. Finding ways to educate parents, children, and providers about the importance of physical activity and weight management will help us decrease obesity and its many associated health concerns, including osteoarthritis, for overall health outcomes and improved quality of life health.

3. How does your work connect to issues in osteoarthritis?

Members of ASN play a critical role in making nutrition research discoveries that lead to chronic disease prevention and improve quality of life. Our members conduct and ASN’s journals, including the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), the highest ranked peer-reviewed journal in nutrition and dietetics, publish cutting-edge research on the effect of certain foods and nutrients on bone and joint health, as well as chronic disease prevention and mitigation. ASN is a leading advocate for increased nutrition research and surveillance funding, and ASN is committed to delivering the latest nutrition evidence to inform and improve public health.

4. What is a headline you’d like to see about osteoarthritis in five years?

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Provides Keys to Osteoarthritis Management

5. What is one interesting fact you’d like people to know about your organization?

ASN currently has more than 6,500 nutrition scientists working in fundamental, multidisciplinary, and clinical research represented in 100 countries around the world, and is growing!