Menopause is a natural biological event for half the human population. Although there is no universal experience of menopause, most women experience physical changes during the menopause transition and are looking to dietitians for safe and effective solutions to manage this life stage. It is well established that the transition to menopause, called perimenopause, is a vulnerable time for the onset or reemergence of disordered eating/eating disorders. Additionally, the postmenopausal years are marked by an increased risk for the onset of osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. This presentation will provide a review of current, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions for managing menopausal symptoms through positive messages that promote optimal health and reduce one's risk of disease. Using a case study, the audience will understand the importance of an interdisciplinary team and weight-inclusive approach aimed at empowering women to manage menopause with greater confidence and success.

Speaker

Val Schonberg MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, NCMP, FAND

Val Schonberg is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a master's degree in Nutrition Science from the University of Minnesota. She is Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics, a Certified Menopause Practitioner with the North American Menopause Society and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Val owns EnlightenU Nutrition Consulting, LLC, a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia where she specializes in midlife health and menopause, recreational and professional sports nutrition, all types of eating disorders, and helping individuals break free from dieting and disordered eating. Originally from Minnesota, Val's experience and expertise come from years of practice in many settings including women's health, eating disorder treatment, Division 1 college sports medicine, professional dance organizations, and speaking regionally and nationally on numerous nutrition related topics. In addition to individual nutrition counseling, she is currently the consulting dietitian for Emory Sports Medicine and Orthopedics and Atlanta Ballet. Val is passionate about providing nutrition care to populations vulnerable to disordered eating and promoting positive nutrition messages that help people make informed decisions about their health and live a life where they feel free to confidently embrace their best self.