Dietitians

If you are overweight and concerned about your diet, or if you have a problem with your health that relates to your diet, a dietitian can help. It’s important to know how to find a registered dietitian and what to expect when you make an appointment.

What is a dietitian?

● Dietitians help people to understand the relationship between food and health. They also help people change their diet so that they can become healthier and stay healthy.

● Dietitians must have a university degree in nutrition and dietetics. They must be accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia.

● Dietitians who meet strict criteria are eligible to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program. APD is the only credential for dietitians recognised by Medicare and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and many private health insurers.

What does a dietitian do?

Dietitians provide expert nutrition and diet advice for people of all ages. They can help if you have a food allergy, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer or gastrointestinal diseases, or if you are overweight or underweight. They can help with other health problems too.

In Australia, dietitians are different to nutritionists. Both are qualified to work in areas like public health, research and teaching, or in the food industry. Dietitians are also qualified to work in private medical practices, medical centres, or hospitals.

What to expect from a dietitian

A dietitian will ask questions about your health, what you want to achieve, and what you eat and drink.

They will give you feedback and advice on your diet and health condition. They will also help you set food-related goals.