Finding and accessing the services of a dietitian can be achieved in several ways, but why choose one in the first place? You may be referred by a GP or consultant or request a referral to address a specific medical/health need or condition.
Alternatively, you may choose to seek out the services of a freelancer. Here are some examples of where they, working on a one-to-one basis or part of a wider health team, 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
your child, or looked after child, has specialised nutritional 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 want to improve your athletic performance or general fitness levels
you want advice about breastfeeding and weaning
you think you have an allergy or intolerance to a certain food
you would like advice about eating disorders
you are a carer and want credible and practical advice to ensure the person/s you are caring for is/are getting the appropriate nutrition in their diet/s.
While dietitians work with individuals, as the above examples explain, in the NHS and on a freelance basis, they also work across the board wherever food and nutrition is present.
(adapted from the BDA website)
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