Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems. They use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

They often work as integral members of multi-disciplinary teams to treat complex clinical conditions such as diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, IBS syndrome, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, kidney failure and bowel disorders. They advise and influence food and health policy across the spectrum from government, to local communities and individuals.

Why might you see a dietitian?

You may be referred by the MDT or you can request a referral to address a specific medical/health need or condition.

Here are some examples of where they can help improve your health and lifestyle:

you suffer with digestive problems
you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as:
diabetes,
high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease,
coeliac,
HIV etc
you have oral, enteral or parenteral nutrition requirements 
you are wanting or needing to lose weight in a safe and sensible way you need to put weight on following a spell of ill-health or as the result of a medical condition you are considering surgery to lose weight you think you have an allergy or intolerance to a certain food you would like advice about eating disorders.

Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diseases/conditions by educating and giving practical, personalised advice to clients, patients, carers and colleagues.

Dietitians are the only qualified and regulated health professionals with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutritional problems for both individuals and the wider public.