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Dietetics is a specialist area of healthcare that focuses on the relationship between our health and the food we eat.
A dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional who has studied nutrition and its effects on health and disease. Dieticians are trained to give advice and support to people with certain health issues or those who want to improve their health by changing the way they eat.
What's the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?
The terms 'dietitian' (also spelt dietician) and 'nutritionist' are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two.
Nutritionists are people who have completed a course in nutrition and are qualified to provide information about food and healthy eating. Nutritionists are not necessarily regulated, but registered nutritionists (RNutrs) must be registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). Nutritionists are not permitted by law to call themselves dietitians.
The title dietitian is a protected title. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals who can legally assess and treat dietary and nutritional problems in the UK. They are regulated by law and governed by an ethical code to ensure the highest standards of practice. Dieticians must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice in the UK.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private dietetics treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what dietetics is, what conditions dietitians can help to treat, and what treatments are available.
The cost of this procedure depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
Dietitians are trained to offer support, advice, and treatment to people with a range of conditions including:
- Diabetes - including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Gastrointestinal diseases - like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease
- Eating disorders - such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
- Some psychological disorders
- Obesity
- Acne and other skin problems
- Asthma
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Renal (kidney) disease
- Cancer
Your consultant may refer you to a dietitian if you have been diagnosed or affected by a medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, IBS or Crohn's disease or have had a stroke of injury or operation. Your dietitian can offer advice on how to manage your condition more effectively with the right diet and nutrition. In some cases, you may be advised to see a dietitian to make changes to your diet that could reduce your risk of future health problems such as heart disease.
Alternatively, you may decide to see a dietitian yourself if you want to make changes to your health, for example, if you would like to lose weight, wish to improve your long-term health or are training for a sporting event.
Our expert team of experienced dietitians can help with a range of symptoms that may be associated with your medical condition or your general health and dietary habits including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion and reflux
- Unexplained or unplanned weight loss
- Fatigue
- Bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms
Dietitians frequently work with other healthcare professionals such as gastroenterologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and general practitioners to provide a multidisciplinary, holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you are referred to a dietitian by your consultant, they will tell you if there is anything you need to do to prepare for your dietetics consultation. It may be helpful to keep a food diary in the days or weeks leading up to your appointment. Note down what you eat and drink as well as when any symptoms occur including for example your bowel habit, whether you notice good days and bad days and any other information you think may be useful. It's a good idea to write down any questions you want to ask your dietitian before your appointment.
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a registered dietitian, a healthcare professional who has completed a degree in dietetics or higher degree and is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
A dietitian will take into account any medical condition you have and the results of any tests such as blood tests you have had. It can be useful to bring a summary of your health record from your GP.
Your dietitian will ask you some questions to get to know you and your individual circumstances so that they can provide a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your needs. Getting to know you, your health status, normal daily routine, and lifestyle allows our dietitians to prepare the best treatment plan that most effectively meets your needs.
Your dietitian may ask you about:
- Your medical and family history
- Your general health
- Your age
- Any allergies or intolerances you have
- Any medications or supplements you take
- Your lifestyle, work, and home life
- Your shopping habits, the type of food you buy and your cooking ability
- Your normal daily diet including meals and snacks
- How much you drink (including alcohol)
- Your appetite
- Your weight patterns throughout your life
- Your energy levels
- Your stress levels
- Your activity levels
- Your bowel movements
- Your sleep patterns
- Your menstrual cycle
- Your aims and expectations for treatment
Why is this first consultation so important?
At Circle Health Group, your first consultation is where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your dietetics treatment, so please discuss any questions or concerns during your appointment.
At the end of your appointment, your dietitian will discuss the recommendations and the individualised treatment plan tailored to best meet your needs and what matters to you. Supporting information to help you create your meals and advice on how to obtain, prepare, and serve the foods is often provided.
Your dietitian may also recommend specific supplements that have been shown to benefit your condition.
Your dietitian will use evidence-based research to advise you on your diet and eating habits. Follow-up sessions are often recommended to monitor your progress, critically appraise how well your treatment is working, and guide you in making further adjustments as needed.
Your dietitian may work with you on a one-to-one or group basis and may liaise with relatives, carers, and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about dietetics treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in April 2024. Next review due April 2027.
About Dietetics The Association of UK Dieticians
What do dieticians do? The Association of UK Dieticians
Nutrition and dietetics The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
What to expect when visiting the dietician Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
