Dietitian

Dietitian

Enhance your wellbeing through carefully prescribed nutrition

How can a dietitian nourish you?

Dietitians are experts in nutrition who have an in-depth understanding of how our intake of foods and beverages affects our wellness.[1] All dietitians are qualified nutritionists who have undergone specialist training in dietetics, enabling them to work in a clinical setting and prescribe therapeutic dietary plans.[2]

While there are several similarities between a dietitian and a nutritionist[3], only dietitians are qualified to help manage and treat medical conditions ranging from diabetes and cancer[4] to disorders of the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease.[5] Some practitioners help manage food service in child care centres, facilities for the disabled, hospitals and other organisations, advising on menu development, and providing training for staff.[6]

In Australia, the title ‘dietitian’ is not regulated, so the best way to ensure you are receiving the best care is to choose an Accredited Practising Dietitian registered with the Dietitians Association of Australia[7] (DAA). In order to be awarded this credential, a dietitian must meet stringent standards for education and ongoing professional development, uphold the DAA’s Code of Professional Conduct, and may be subjected to a random audit.

Benefits of a dietitian

This modality incorporates a variety of specialisations, such as sports dietitians who advise people on maximising their athletic performance,[8] and paediatric dietitians who are trained to support children with developmental delays or intolerances[9] to specific foods. Dietitians can also offer expert advice on gut health,[10] an aspect of health which has recently been suggested to possibly have significant effects on neurological function.[11]

One of the key advantages dietitians provide is their ability to prescribe “medical nutrition therapy”[12] to improve outcomes for a range of health problems, including chronic kidney disease.[13] The strict requirements for credentialing set out by the Dietitians Association of Australia mean accredited practising dietitians can be relied upon to provide dependable, evidence-based advice[14] regarding nutrition and dietetics.

In a review of relevant studies, dietitian support is reported to be “clinically effective” in the management of type 2 diabetes.[15] Research suggests that dietitian-prescribed nutritional therapy may reduce the necessity for medications[16] that decrease lipid concentration in the blood for people who have triglyceride and/or cholesterol imbalances. It is also reported that dietitians have an important and increasing role in providing support and education both before and after stomach surgery[17] for weight loss.

A dietitian may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Allergies Anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders Blood pressure Cancer Cellulite Cholesterol imbalance Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) Circulation and cardiovascular conditions Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance Crohn’s disease Diabetes Digestive and gastrointestinal issues Food allergies and intolerances Heartburn and acid reflux Hormonal issues IBS and bowel disorders Kidney and renal issues Nutritional deficiencies Pregnancy, birth and antenatal support Relaxation Skin, hair and nail issues Sports performance Weight control and obesity Show all

What to expect from a dietitian session

Your first visit to a dietitian might take up to an hour, but follow-up visits are usually shorter.[18] During your first appointment, your practitioner will take a detailed medical history and ask you about any specific health concerns.[19] They will usually measure your height, weight and waist circumference, and enquire about your eating, exercise and lifestyle habits. If you have any blood test results or other relevant medical documentation,[20] please bring everything to your appointment. 

Your dietitian will use evidence-based principles to evaluate how your intake of food and drinks can support your continued wellness, or support the management or treatment of a health concern you have. If you do have a medical condition for which you are receiving nutritional therapy, your dietitian will work in consultation with your referring GP[21] to ensure your best health outcome. In Australia, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you are being treated by a dietitian for a chronic issue[22] such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease under a health care plan provided by your GP. 

Your medical professional is likely to be the person who recommends seeking the expertise of a dietitian. If you have any questions or concerns about your dietetic treatment, don’t hesitate to speak with your dietitian, who will be happy to address these and explain how the dietary aspect of your program will support your wellness. They will also explain the ways in which the diet you are prescribed is personalised to your requirements.

References

  1. How Does Food Impact Health? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing
  2. Providers of Nutrition Services | The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining Health in the Nation's Elderly | NCBI Bookshelf
  3. What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? | Deakin University
  4. What is a dietitian? | healthdirect.gov.au
  5. Diet–microbiota interactions in inflammatory bowel disease | Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA)
  6. Dietetics | Allied Health Professions Australia
  7. Australia’s leading voice in nutrition. | Dietitians Australia
  8. About Us | sportsdietitians.com.au 
  9. Dietetics and nutrition support for children | growingearlyminds.org.au
  10. Gut & Bowel Health | newlifenutrition.com.au 
  11. The role of nutrition in the microbiota-gut–brain axis | Clinical Nutrition Experimental
  12. Diet and nutrition health advice | Dietitians Australia
  13. Medical Nutrition Therapy in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease | Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  14. The Philosophy of Evidence-Based Principles and Practice in Nutrition | ScienceDirect
  15. The Evidence for the Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Diabetes Management | Diabetes Care
  16. Clinical and cost benefits of medical nutrition therapy by registered dietitian nutritionists for management of dyslipidemia | Journal of Clinical Lipidology 
  17. The Bariatric Surgery Patient: A Growing Role for Registered Dietitians | Journal of the American Dietetic Association
  18. How long are the sessions? | bodywarfare.com.au 
  19. Seeing a dietitian | Queensland Government
  20. What happens when you see a psychologist or dietitian? | jeanhailes.org.au 
  21. Dietitians | betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  22. Chronic Disease Management | Australian Government Department of Health

Frequently asked questions

Dietitians are experts in nutrition with specialized training in dietetics. They differ from nutritionists in that dietitians can work in clinical settings, manage medical conditions, and prescribe therapeutic dietary plans, while nutritionists may not have the same clinical focus.

Yes, Dietitians are qualified to manage and treat various medical conditions, including diabetes, cancer, and digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease. They use their expertise in nutrition to develop tailored dietary plans for individuals with specific health concerns.

Dietitians undergo specialized training in dietetics, which includes comprehensive education on nutrition, food science, and the management of medical conditions. This training equips them to provide evidence-based nutrition advice and therapeutic dietary plans.

Yes, all Dietitians are qualified Nutritionists. The term "Dietitian" is protected, and to be a Dietitian, one must be a qualified Nutritionist who has undergone additional specialized training in dietetics.

Dietitians can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. Some Dietitians are involved in managing food service in places like child care centers, hospitals, and other facilities. They contribute to menu development and provide staff training.

The frequency of consultations with a Dietitian depends on individual needs and goals. While Dietitians are equipped to help manage medical conditions, they can also provide guidance on general nutrition for individuals looking to improve their overall wellness, achieve specific health goals, or optimize their diet.
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