Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. They work with both healthy and sick people.
Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diseases/conditions by educating, giving practical advice and motivating clients, patients, carers and colleagues through behaviour change techniques.
Dietitians often work as integral members of multi-disciplinary teams to treat complex clinical conditions such as diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, eating disorders, and bowel disorders to name but a few. They provide advice to caterers to ensure the nutritional care of all clients in the NHS and other care settings such as nursing homes. They also plan and implement public health programmes to promote health and prevent nutrition related diseases. A key role of a dietitian is to train and educate other health and social care workers. They also advise on diet to avoid the side effects and interactions between medications.