Patrick Traynor, PHD, MPH, RD, CPT

Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management
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From Struggle To Purpose

As an overweight child, Traynor endured relentless verbal bullying. His desire to change his body occupied his thoughts. He soon recognized his food choices and quantities consumed, not a lack of exercise, caused his overweight status. He narrowed down the solution to a troubling paradox: food selection and quantity consumed seemed simultaneosly controllable and uncontrollable. After solving this incongruity for himself, he becme a registered dietitian (RD) specializing in obesity and weight management and learned how to help others free themselves from the grasp of an insidious and debilitiatng food environmnent.
Dr. Traynor, 1990 National Physique Committee (NPC) competition (Stockton, CA).

Mission through Nutrition

Today, Traynor’s mission is to help others reclaim their health goals with diet.
August, 10, 2024 Dr. Traynor still competing, all natural, NPC Tahoe Show. Two weeks prior, July 27, 2024 competed in the 2024 NGA Tahoe International to become their Men's Masters Physique Champion.

Undying Passion for Nutrition

After earning a double major in entomology and nutrition from UC Davis, Traynor began his career in education as a high school science teacher and health teacher advancing through the ranks including assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, to district and county superintendent, including director of state assessment at the California Department of Education (full profile).
During this time, he pursued advanced nutrition training, becoming a registered dietitian through Iowa State University, earning an MPH from UC Berkeley, and a PhD from UC Riverside. He also taught biology, statistics, and research methods at the university level and is among the small percentage of dietitians who has completed additional requirements beyond his Registered Dietitian certification to become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM).

Nutrition - Beyond Medicine

Traynor now views dietetics as central to medicine, using an evidence-based approach to support physical, mental, and social well-being. Applying his solid scientific and pedagogical backgrounds, recognizomg people's strong emotional connections to food reinforced through habitual routines, Traynor ensures MNT Scientific integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with motivational interviewing to help clients develop new, healthier behavioral patterns and neural associations. Specific, attainable, actionable strategies are developed with clients to establish a sustainable, enjoyable, and nourishing relationship with food.

Health & Fitness as a Means to Enjoyment

Above: Ride Around the Lake June 2024
Dr. Traynor’s approach to nutrition and health is rooted in both scientific evidence and real-world application. He is committed to helping others build sustainable habits that support long-term health, performance, and quality of life.
Beyond his work in nutrition and obesity management, Dr. Patrick Traynor maintains a strong personal and professional connection to fitness and performance. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a certified ski race coach through U.S. Ski & Snowboard (Level 300), and a PSIA Level 3 ski instructor. He is also an active cycling enthusiast who continues to complete endurance events such as the Annual Death Ride and America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe.
Dr. Traynor remains actively involved in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through participation and service within Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs) and presentations at state conferences. His activities outside of clinical practice reflect the same principles and strategies emphasized within his clinic, demonstrating that evidence-based approaches to nutrition, movement, and long-term health can be realistically implemented and sustained. He holds the deepest, evidenced-grounded convictions that proper nutiriion is essention to optimize enjoyment and performance in many of life’s activities.
Dr. Traynor at Mt Hood, Oregon Summer Training
Dr. Traynor (center) with Eagle Scout Sons Christopher (left) and Patrick (right)
July 11, 2026 Death Ride Completer; 103 miles, 14,000 foot elevation gain
Repeat Maters Champion Physique; July 25, 2026 NGA All Natural Pro/Am International