A dietitian as defined by Dietitians Australia is 'a professional who applies the science of food and nutrition to promote health, prevent and treat disease to optimise the health of individuals, groups, communities and populations.' Dietitians treat a range of health conditions. They understand how nutrition affects the body and will give you expert nutrition and dietary advice. Dietitians provide personal support to help you improve your health and wellbeing, considering your lifestyle, cooking habits, budget, dietary preferences and so much more.
How do you treat?
What methods?
- Dietitians aim to understand your health goals, food habits and lifestyle.
- Take a holistic approach including relevant medical history, weight history (if relevant), blood test results, information around your body’s functioning, and eating habits.
- Take time to explain the impact of foods on your medical condition.
- Discuss your health/dietary goals and provide strategies to help meet those goals, eg. food swaps, label reading, meal planning, shopping lists.
- Appointments can be in person or via telehealth.
About GSMC Dietetics
Caroline Wydro
Dietitian
GSMC Dietitian Caroline Wydro’s interest in dietetics was ingrained from a young age being surrounded by lots of yummy food and being involved in cooking with her family. She has a passion for educating people on how to make simple, sustainable changes to their diet to improve their health and wellbeing. She tailors her approach to each patient depending on their goals, understanding of nutrition and relationship with food.
FAQs
Do you provide meal plans?
Generally, meal plans are not provided due to being less sustainable than educating on and brainstorming suitable food swaps. Empowering clients to make their own changes is often more effective.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
A nutritionist works in roles where they use nutrition and food knowledge to promote healthy societies. They work mainly at the community, organisation and population level to provide information and advice about foods to promote health. As a profession, nutritionists are not regulated in Australia under National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP) or certified under a single regulatory body. Dietetics is a specialisation on top of nutrition studies. Dietitians have the added qualifications to work one-on-one with patients in a clinical context. They can provide nutrition advice for treatment of a broad range of health conditions, unlike nutritionists. The dietetic profession is regulated and meets strict standards as set out by the NASRHP.
Do dietitians put people on a ‘diet’?
Generally, a dietitian works with clients to implement healthy dietary choices that fit into their lifestyle. In particular cases, a therapeutic diet may be implemented, such
as a low FODMAP diet to help with IBS, however the approach for these diets will often vary and are tailored to the person.