The launch comes at a time when metabolic disorders have emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease continue to rise at alarming rates across countries, placing an unprecedented burden on healthcare systems. Against this backdrop, IADMN aims to position dietitians at the forefront of metabolic healthcare and establish nutrition as a central pillar of disease prevention and management.

Speaking at the inauguration, leaders of the association emphasised that the launch represents far more than the creation of another professional body. It reflects a collective commitment to strengthening the role of dietitians in evidence-based healthcare and creating opportunities for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals.

The association's vision is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief that dietitians must play a central role in addressing the growing epidemic of metabolic disease. Through scientific exchange, clinical education, research initiatives, and international networking, IADMN seeks to empower nutrition professionals to contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes and public health.

The journey toward the establishment of IADMN began several months earlier. Officially incorporated on October 28, 2025 and headquartered in Mumbai, the organisation was conceived as a global scientific platform with strong Indian roots and an international outlook. While numerous dietetic organisations operate across different regions, few focus exclusively on metabolic health and nutrition, an area that is rapidly becoming one of the most important disciplines in modern healthcare.

The founders envisioned an association that would unite dietitians, nutrition scientists, researchers, educators, and healthcare practitioners under a common mission. Rather than functioning solely as a professional network, IADMN was designed to serve as a catalyst for scientific advancement and professional development beyond the geopolitical borders.

The launch of IADMN marks a transformative step for the dietetics profession, positioning dietitians at the forefront of the global fight against metabolic disease through science, innovation, and collaborative healthcare

Over the past decade, the understanding of metabolic health has evolved considerably. Nutrition is no longer viewed merely as supportive care but increasingly as a primary therapeutic intervention. Dietary strategies are now integral to the prevention and management of diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. This growing recognition has elevated the importance of dietitians within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

However, despite the expanding body of nutrition science, many healthcare systems continue to underutilise dietetic expertise. IADMN seeks to address this gap by advocating for greater integration of nutrition professionals into clinical decision making, policy development, and public health initiatives via is capacity building initiatives.

A key objective of the association is to create opportunities for continuous learning and knowledge sharing. Through conferences, workshops, certification programmes, research collaborations, and scientific publications, members will have access to resources designed to strengthen professional competencies and support evidence-based practice.

IADMN's Executive Board brings together distinguished leaders from dietetics, metabolic health, diabetes care, public health, and research, providing the association with strong scientific, administrative, and financial leadership.

Executive Board Member	Designation
Zamurrud Patel	President
Jayashree Paranjape	Vice President
Niti Desai	President Elect 2027
Sukhada Bhatte	Secretary
Megha Terse	Joint Secretary
Ruby Sound	Treasurer
Dr Eileen Canday	Joint Treasurer

The Executive Board also comprises of the young brigade- Kasturi Deorukhkar, Fatima Kader, Disha Jhaveri, Sneha Ambre, and Shruti Joshi - practicing dietitians who bring their expertise and passion to the board. 

The Board of Directors includes Sukhada Bhatte and Ruby Sound, both instrumental in the administrative and financial architecture of the association since its inception.

The distinguished panel of Honorary Patrons reflects IADMN’s global vision, bringing together leading experts in nutrition, public health, academia, and policy to guide the association’s scientific and strategic growth.

Honorary Patrons	Affiliation / Designation
Dr. Anoop Misra	Chairman, Fortis CDOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology
Dr. B. Sesikeran	Former Director, National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR)
Dr. Sanu Jacob	Director, FSSAI — National Food Laboratory
Dr. Geeta Ibrahim	Ex-Principal, Nirmala Niketan, University of Mumbai
Dr. Sylvia Escott-Stump	Visiting Professor, University IBERO-Americana
Dr. Bharat Shah	Director and Head of Department, Nephrology
Dr. Dilip Ghosh	Adjunct Fellow, NICM HRI, Western Sydney University, Australia
Dr. Lalita Bhattacharjee	Nutrition Advisor, Nutrition Development Foundation Thailand; Senior Nutritionist, FAO (UN) Retd.
Layla Hussain Abbas	Ex Senior Dietitian, Kuwait Ministry of Health
Salome Benjamin	Ex Chief Dietitian, BYL Nair Hospital

The organisation also plans to foster international partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare organisations, and professional societies. Such collaborations are expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote cross border research, and create opportunities for dietitians to engage with global experts in metabolic health.

Experts noted that while medical advances continue to improve disease management, prevention remains the most sustainable solution to the growing burden of chronic illness. Nutrition professionals are uniquely positioned to influence dietary behaviours, support long term lifestyle changes, and deliver personalised interventions that improve health outcomes across populations.

Another significant aspect of IADMN's mission is its commitment to strengthening the global standing of the dietetics profession. By promoting scientific rigor, encouraging innovation, and supporting leadership development, the association hopes to create a stronger professional identity for dietitians and enhance recognition of their contributions within healthcare systems.

The formal launch of IADMN therefore represents more than the introduction of a new association. It signals the emergence of a focused movement dedicated to redefining the role of dietitians in modern healthcare. With its emphasis on science, collaboration, education, and advocacy, the organisation aims to build a future where nutrition is recognised as a cornerstone of health and dietitians are acknowledged as essential contributors to the fight against metabolic disease.

For the dietetics community in India and beyond, the launch of IADMN marks the beginning of an ambitious journey, one that seeks to bridge science and practice while advancing the profession's role in improving global health outcomes.