The BDA is the professional association for dietitians

The Role of Dietitians and
How to Find One

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Dietitians work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, public relations, publishing, NGOs and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government, local communities and individuals.

The title dietitian can only be used by those appropriately trained professionals who have registered with the Health Professions Council and whose details are on the HPC web site.

Finding a Dietitian

Most people will be able to see a Registered Dietitian within the NHS after being referred by an NHS GP, doctor, health visitor or other medical staff. You can also self-refer. Consultations with dietitians within the NHS are free.

Alternatively if you wish to see a Registered Dietitian who practises privately, you can search on-line for a dietitian near you at the Freelance Dietitians web site, which is run by the BDA's Freelance Dietitian Group.

HPC Dietitian Audits

Dietitians - like all registrants of the Health Professions Council - must commit to continuing professional development (CPD) in order to remain registered and call themselves a dietitian.

The HPC is about to conduct its audit of dietitians and will pick 2.5% of the profession to ensure they are meeting CPD standards.

Read more about how the BDA is supporting its members.

Dietitians should lead in preventing and treating obesity

Weight and obesity are never far from the headlines and with figures reaching epidemic proportions, dietitians are on the frontline when it comes to effective prevention and treatment.

“Dietitians must be prepared to lead the charge”, believes Joyce Thompson, who was involved in the development of the latest national obesity management guideline. Read more....

Honourable Role for Trade Union Giant

The British Dietetic Association is proud to announce that Mrs Mary Turner MBE has been named as the association’s new Honorary President.

Mary takes on this role from her predecessor, Dame Barbara Clayton.

Read more...

27th August 2010

Losing count leads to gaining weight

Many of us are getting around a tenth of our energy intake from alcohol, but most of us have no idea how many calories are in our drinks. That’s the warning from the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and Alcohol Concern Cymru today.

The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that amongst adults who drink, alcohol accounts for nearly 10% of their calorie intake. In spite of this, an Alcohol Concern survey of 1,000 drinkers in Wales found that 82% were unable to correctly identify the number of calories in a standard pint of beer or lager (150-200 calories) or a standard glass of wine (100-150 calories).

Read more ...

BDA welcomes the all Wales Obesity Pathway but calls on health boards to ensure its implementation

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) warmly welcomes the All Wales Obesity Pathway, which the Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart has asked Health Boards and Local Authorities to action.

The aim of the All Wales Obesity Pathway, which the BDA has lobbied for and provided information towards, is to bring together public services and the numerous partners and agencies in Wales to tackle head-on the growing trend of obesity among children and adults alike throughout Wales. Read more...

BDA Statement on FSA announcement

After rumours that the FSA would be disbanded, the government has announced it will retain part of the Food Standards Agency. However, it will transfer some responsibilities to government, the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley confirmed this week.

The Chairman of the BDA, Helen Davidson, commented: “The BDA recognises and welcomes the valued contribution of the FSA over the last ten years.” Read more...

Reaction to Euro Vote on Front-of-Pack Food Labelling: BDA “Extremely Disappointed”

The European Parliament today voted on front of pack food labelling. The vote is intended to introduce a European-wide food labelling system for processed foods (ready meals, sandwiches, pies etc). Read press release...