When it comes to eating a balanced diet, taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, exercising regularly, and engaging in other wellness behaviors, registered dietitians come out on top among eight healthcare professional populations according to the “Life…supplemented” Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Studies.

The research studies, conducted in 2007, 2008 and 2009, are part of the “Life… supplemented” consumer wellness campaign which is dedicated to helping Americans live a healthy lifestyle by engaging in the three pillars of health: a healthy diet + supplements + exercise.

“It is no surprise that registered dietitians are practicing what they preach when it comes to engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Being ‘well’ requires you to approach your health from an integrative viewpoint,” said Cheryl Forberg, RD, New York Times best-selling author, nutritionist for NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and consultant to the “Life…supplemented” campaign. “Healthy eating and regular exercise combined with the responsible use of dietary supplements are key components of overall wellness, and registered dietitians are championing all three personally and professionally.”

The 2009 study shows that 96% of registered dietitians report trying to eat a balanced diet; 96% of registered dietitians report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—74% say they take them regularly; 83% say they exercise regularly; 80% say they maintain a healthy weight; 86% say they regularly visit their own healthcare professional and 72% claim they get a good night’s sleep.

While registered dietitians rank highest, other healthcare professional groups are also practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Following are the results, by healthcare professional group (listed alphabetically):

Cardiologists

Of the cardiologists surveyed, 80% say they try to eat a balanced diet; 57% of cardiologists report taking dietary supplements, at least seasonally—37% say they take them regularly; and 67% say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they maintain a healthy weight; and 49% say that they regularly get a good night’s sleep. Only 34% of cardiologists report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly. Sixty-six percent claim that they try to manage their stress levels.

Dermatologists

Eighty-one percent of dermatologists surveyed report they try to eat a balanced diet. Seventy-five percent report using dietary supplements at least seasonally—59% say they use them regularly. Additionally, 70% say they exercise regularly; 79% agree that they maintain a healthy weight; 64% report they regularly get a good night’s sleep. Only 56% of dermatologists say they visit their own healthcare professional regularly. Seventy-one percent say they try to manage their stress levels.

Nurse Practitioners

Eighty-four percent claim they try to eat a balanced diet. Ninety-five percent of nurse practitioners report taking dietary supplements at least seasonally—71% claim doing so regularly. Sixty-four percent claim to exercise regularly. Nurse practitioners try to manage their stress level, as reported by 86% of those surveyed; 76% say they regularly visit their own healthcare professional; while 63% claim to get a good night’s sleep. Only 59% of nurse practitioners say they maintain a healthy weight.

Obstetricians/Gynecologists (Ob/Gyns)

Eighty-one percent say they try to eat a balanced diet; 80% of Ob/Gyns report taking supplements, including 56% who say they use them regularly. When it comes to engaging in regular exercise, 68% claim to do so. Sixty-eight percent of Ob/Gyns also report they maintain a healthy weight. Only 57% report getting a good night’s sleep, and slightly more than half (51%), say they visit their own healthcare professional regularly.

Orthopaedic Specialists

Seventy-seven percent claim that they try to eat a balanced diet; 75 percent of orthopaedists say they use dietary supplements at least seasonally with 50 percent saying they use them regularly. Sixty-nine percent say they exercise regularly. Sixty-nine percent also report that they maintain a healthy weight. When it comes to managing their stress levels, eight out of 10 orthopaedists (80 percent) report doing so. Orthopaedists do less well in getting a good night’s sleep (56 percent report that they do) and visiting their own healthcare professional regularly (40 percent report doing so).

Pharmacists

Of the pharmacists surveyed, 76% report they try to eat a balanced diet. Eighty-six percent of pharmacists use dietary supplements, at least seasonally and 62% say they take them regularly. Fifty-six percent claim that they exercise regularly. More than three quarters, 77%, of pharmacists say they try to manage their stress levels. Seventy-five percent report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 67% claim they maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-five percent report regularly getting a good night’s sleep.

Primary Care Physicians

A good majority of primary care physicians say they try to eat a balanced diet (80%), and while only 48% of primary care physicians report regular use of supplements, 71% say they use them at least seasonally. Seventy-one percent of primary care physicians report that they exercise regularly. Interestingly, only 40% of primary care physicians report visiting their own healthcare professional regularly and 68% maintain a healthy weight. Sixty-three percent of primary care physicians say that they get a good night’s sleep.