Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law, governed by an ethical code and be registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They are the only health professionals registered and qualified to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual level. Dietitians 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.
Examples of reasons for individuals to see a Dietitian:
- Digestive problems
- Diagnosis with a medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, coeliac disease, HIV etc
- Your child, or looked after child, has specialised nutritional requirements
- You want or need 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
- To improve your athletic performance or general fitness levels
- Advice about breastfeeding and weaning
- To maximise your chances to become pregnant
- Support and advice about a food allergy or intolerance to a certain food
- Advice about eating disorders
- You are a carer and want credible and practical advice to ensure the person you are caring for is getting the appropriate nutrition in their diet.