Dietetics is the science of diet, food and nutrition, and the role they play in overall health.
What health conditions can dietetics help to manage?
- Metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
- Disordered eating behaviours e.g. anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, overeating and RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport)
- Gastrointestinal issues including coeliac disease and IBS
- Pre- and post-bariatric surgery management
- Optimising sports performance
What do dietitians do?
Dietitians are health professionals with expertise in food and nutrition. They provide guidance about how to appropriately manage diets and nutrition. Dietitians can translate scientific nutrition information into individualised practical advice to help you make the right decision about what to eat to achieve your health, lifestyle and performance goals. They can help you to maintain your health, reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease and to enjoy a sustained quality of life. Dietetics is about good dietary habits and optimal nutrition. Having a good diet can make a significant difference to a person’s health and overall wellbeing. Dietitians practice dietetics. They are experts in nutrition and develop meal plans, help make lifestyle changes and even behavioural modifications to help treat, manage, and prevent chronic disease and a range of associated conditions. There are a number of reasons why you might seek the support of a dietitian including:- A newly diagnosed chronic condition
- Significant weight change
- Changes in medication
- Recent poor food intake, poor appetite, or difficulty preparing or eating food
