Latest News and Press Releases
Press Office Media Hotline number: 0800 048 1714
13th May 2013
Gut Feeling Week
The BDA is proud to be supporting Gut Feeling Week (13 – 19 May 2013), which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms and improve diagnosis of Coeliac disease in the UK.
9th May 2013
New Malnutrition Guide for UK WILL Save Lives and Tens of Millions of Pounds Each Year
A brand new guide was launched on 9th May 2013 called Preventing and Early Intervention of Malnutrition in Later Life (best practice principles and implementation guide).
The guide, jointly produced by the British Dietetic Association and the Malnutrition Task Force, sets out and defines the principles of best practice, the moral, legal, quality and financial case for changes in tackling malnutrition in people in later life in the UK. Read more about the malnutrition guide.
2nd May 2013
Healthy Start vitamins can no longer be sold by NHS organisations
(from April 2013 - England only)
The regulations which cover the sale of Healthy Start vitamins – ‘Sale of Goods for Mothers and Children (Designation and Charging) Regulations 1976’ do not support organisations within the Health and Social Care system.
Easter 2013
Be Chocolate Aware
Time to read the BDA Essential Guide to Chocolate.
15th March 2013
BDA Proudly Supporting Nutrition and Hydration Week
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is proudly supporting this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week (week commencing Monday 18 March 2013). Nutrition Day is Wednesday 20th March 2013.
22nd February 2013:
UK is the ‘Fat Man’ of Europe: The British Dietetic Association Responds
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) is proposing a ten point action plan to combat the UK’s obesity crisis. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) contributed to this work.
22nd February 2013
BDA Supports Calls for Hospital Food Standards
The British Dietetic Association is supporting a new report from Sustain (the alliance for better food and farming), calling for better hospital food with the introduction of hospital food standards (in England). Read more ...
14th February 2013
BDA Supports Cooking in Schools Back on the Menu!
The BDA is fully supporting government plans to make food and nutrition lessons compulsory for all 7 to 14-year-olds in England. It said it would be part of a plan to get children eating more healthily. The new National Curriculum for 7 to 14-year-olds places more emphasis on improving your skills in the kitchen. Read more ...
7th February 2013
Employees Work Through Lunchtimes
The results of a poll commissioned by BBC Breakfast show that 54% of office workers regularly work through their lunch break.
The BDA’s Nutrition in the Workplace helps support employers throughout the UK to improve employees’ health and wellbeing,
10th January 2013
Blue Monday 21st January: Eat your way back to happiness!
It’s here again: Blue Monday (21st January 2013). You got paid early in December ready for Christmas, so you are skint! Your New Year diet regime has now slipped and you are hoovering up food like there’s no tomorrow! What started off a ‘dry January’ now has you sipping on a large Pinot! Giving up the ciggies lasted a few weeks and you are back puffing away! And, having lived in very close proximity for a couple of week, a trip to the solicitor has you filing for divorce! Welcome all to 2013!
12 December 2012
National Charity Abbeyfield Joins UK Dietitians in Plugging the Hunger Gap Over the Christmas Holidays
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is throwing its full support behind an innovative venture by The Abbeyfield Society called Companionship at Christmas 2012.
Abbeyfield is inviting older people, who might otherwise be alone over the Christmas season, to spend time at a participating Abbeyfield house for a free lunch or even an overnight stay, giving an excellent alternative to older people spending the Christmas holidays alone.
December 2012
The Great Christmas Stuffing!
The average person in the UK will consume around 6,000 calories (kcals) on Christmas day alone (versus the guideline daily amount of 2,000 kcals for women and 2,500 kcals for men)! In addition to this, over the festive period, which seems to kick off earlier and earlier, the average person may consume an extra 500 kcals per day, equating to a weight gain of around 5lb by the time January the first comes around.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is on hand to highlight some handy tips to ensure the only thing that gets really stuffed this Christmas is the turkey!
23 November 2012:
World Aids Day on 1st December
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) will once again be supporting World Aids Day on 1st December.
22 November 2012
The BDA Announces the Results of its Annual Top 5 Worst Celebrity Diets to Avoid in the New Year
The annual and eagerly anticipated list of the five worst celebrity/fad diets to avoid in the New Year has been issued by the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
20 November 2012
The LBD (little black dress) Guide to the Christmas Party Season
The average person may eat an estimated 500 additional calories a day over the Christmas season, resulting in a possible weight gain of 5lb.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) lists the top five tips to enjoying the festive party merriness while maintaining a healthy balance and a healthy body.
12th November 2012
New Nutrition and Hydration Digest Launched
Through its Food Counts specialist group, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has issued a new publication called The Nutrition and Hydration Digest: Improving Outcomes Through Food and Beverage Services.
24 October 2012
BDA welcomes Government Announcement on Front of Pack Food Labelling
A new front of pack food labelling system to help people check the healthiness of products is set to be introduced across all supermarkets by 2013, the Government has announced today.
15th October 2012
New Hospital Food Guidance welcomed by the British Dietetic Association
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has welcomed the news that The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, has issued eight ‘Statements of Expectation’ outlining what would be expected of hospital food, including hydration, in England.
7th Septemebr 2012
The Food Hospital Returns
to Channel 4 Series
fronted by Top Dietitian
Channel 4’s innovative factual programme, The Food Hospital, is returning for a second series and British Dietetic Association (BDA) media spokesperson, Lucy Jones, is once again taking a leading role in the primetime show.
The Food Hospital is due to return to our screens from Wednesday 19th September at 8pm on Channel 4 for six weeks. Lucy Jones is joined once again by co-presenters GP Dr Giovanni Miletto and specialist obesity consultant surgeon, Shaw Somers.
British Dietetic Association: Leading Scottish Dietitian Going Global!
British Dietetic Association (BDA) Honorary Chairman and dietitian, Helen Davidson, is about to leave the UK shores to take part in two major events on the other side of the world.
14th August 2012
Healthy Packed Lunches - Tips for the New School Year
With the new school year about to start, many parents begin the process of that infamous New School Year Resolution: Healthy Packed Lunches. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is issuing some quick and handy tips to create, not only healthy packed lunches, but packed lunches that are full of flavour and variety.
10th July 2012
BDA Welcomes New TUC General Secretary
The BDA welcomes the news that Frances O’Grady is to become the new General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Ms O’Grady will take up her position at the end of the year, taking over from the current General Secretary, Brendan Barber.
26th June 2012
Dietitians Leading the Way!
Some of the UK’s leading figures from the nutrition world will be taking part in a special information day in Wrexham on 3rd July (Wrexham Maelor Hospital).
12 June 2012
National Elderly Malnutrition Campaign Launches Westminster E-Petition
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has launched a brand new E-petition to support its Mind the Hunger Gap national campaign, created to highlight levels of malnutrition in older people living in their own homes in the UK.
1st June 2012 Dietitians Win Top Health Award
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is honoured to announce that two dietitians, Cathy Forbes and Leanne Fishwick, have won the Leadership Award at the 2012 Advancing Healthcare Awards.
24th May 2012
50,000 Older People in Wales Starving in their own Homes Every Day
The BDA has tabled a hard-hitting motion at this year’s Wales Trades Union Congress (Wales TUC) to highlight levels of malnutrition in older people living in their own homes in Wales and in the wider UK, which was support unanimously.
22nd May 2012
British Dietetic Association Supports Improvements in Hospital Food Standards
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has welcomed news that hospital food could be improved.
The Government has said it is working to improve the quality of hospital food in England.
20th April 2012
100,000 Older People in Scotland starving in their own Homes Every Day
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is tabling a hard-hitting motion at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) to highlight levels of malnutrition in older people living in their own homes.
This year’s STUC is taking place in Inverness 23-25 April 2012. The BDA motion (number 85) will be heard on Tuesday 24th April.
18th April 2012
The BDA pays Tribute to Outgoing TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber
“We wish Brendan all the very best for the future. His hard work and dedication over the decades has been felt by many.” Read the BDA press release on Brendan Barber.
3rd April 2012
The BDA Essential Guide to Chocolate
Many useful things to know about chocolate including a look at common choccy myths.
25th March 2012
BDA supports Salt Awareness Week
Salt Awareness Week is taking place between 26th March and 1st April 2012.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is issuing some easy to understand facts and tips for consumers to take advantage of to coincide with Salt Awareness Week.
2nd March 2012
UK Dietitians to Tweet Live about Malnutrition: 5th March
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) will be taking part in a live twitter chat on Monday 5th March at 8pm on the subject of malnutrition.
1st March 2012
Work Your Way to a Healthier Life: Don’t Let Your Workplace Kill You!
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has launched a brand new innovative service called Nutrition in the Workplace Workshops.
20th February 2012
BDA Throws its Support Behind Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Each year, February heralds a number of national organisations and charities who run various eating disorder awareness days/weeks, with eating disorder experts reaching out with a view to raise awareness and how members of the public can access help. This year, one of the most prominent awareness weeks is being run by Beat, the UK-wide organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders, their family members and friends. They are also the world's largest eating disorders charity. Read Eating Disorders Week press release.
16th January
Leading UK Nutrition Association Urges Awareness Between Dietitians and Nutrition Therapists
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has experienced is significant increase in calls from the media asking them to debunk various food claims from many sources. In addition, Which? Magazine today launched a report outlining, what they say are, dangerous practice by some nutrition therapists working in the UK today. Read full details ...
11th January 2012
BDA Malnutrition Campaign Hand in Hand with National Nutrition and Hydration Week 2012
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is proud to be a supporting partner of the National Patient Safety Agency’s Nutrition and Hydration week (23-29th January 2012), titled ‘A taste of patient safety’.
Poor nutrition and hydration leads to poor health, prolonged hospital length of stay and increased costs to the NHS. The consequences of poor nutrition and hydration are well documented and include a greater risk of infection, poor skin integrity and delayed wound healing, decreased muscle strength, depression and, sadly, premature death.
Nutrition and Hydration Week runs with the support of key partners, such as the BDA, to reinforce and focus energy, activity and engagement.
11th January 2012
Do You Want to attend ICD 2012 in Sydney??
The BDA General Education Trust (GET) is pleased to announce that there will be an opportunity for three full members of the BDA to attend the 16th International Congress of Dietetics in Sydney Australia, 5th – 7th September 2011.
13 December 2011
The Public Urged to Help Battle Malnutrition in the UK this Christmas
Sadly, for many older people living on their own in the UK, it’s that time of year again when they close their front doors at Christmas not to see or talk to another person for a couple of weeks, or maybe longer, when the country beds down for the festive season.
This year, the British Dietetic Association (BDA), as part of their Mind the Hunger Gap campaign (www.mindthehungergap.com), is calling on the British public to take action to make sure their older friends, relatives and neighbours do not go un-noticed and hungry this Christmas.
December 2011
You don’t need to get stuffed this Christmas!
The average person in the UK will consume around 6,000 calories on Christmas day alone (versus the guideline daily amount of 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men)! In addition to this, over the festive period, which seems to kick off earlier and earlier each year, the average person may consume an extra 500 calories per day, equating to a weight gain of around 5lb by the time January the first comes around if you’ve been partying since the end of November.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is on hand to highlight some handy seasonal tips to ensure the only thing that gets really stuffed this Christmas is the turkey!
1st December 2011
SENr launch in London
The official launch of a new register for nutrition professionals working with elite athletes, called the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) took place at The Royal Society of Public Health.
SENr has been specifically created to accredit qualified and experienced individuals who work as sport and exercise nutritionists with performance-orientated and elite sportspeople. This category of registrant will eligible for Full Registration, while those who have undertaken studies in this area of work and aspire to work at the highest levels in sport and exercise nutrition will be eligible for Graduate Registration.
Read the SENr press release.
29 November 2011
National Charity Abbeyfield Joins UK Dietitians in Plugging the Hunger Gap Over the Christmas Holidays
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is throwing its full support behind an innovative venture by The Abbeyfield Society called Companionship at Christmas 2011.
23 November 2011
UK’s Leading Dietetic Association Responds to
Care Neglect for the Elderly Inquiry
Basic care for the elderly in their own homes in England is so bad it breaches human rights at times, an inquiry says. The home care review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) highlighted cases of physical abuse, theft, neglect and disregard for privacy and dignity. In the review it highlights, amongst other issues, older people not being given enough support to eat and drink, with some care staff saying health and safety rules prevent then preparing hot meals for the older people they care for. Read more ...
21 November 2011
A Healthy Diet Plays a Vital Role in the Lives of People Living with HIV
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is fully supporting World AIDS Day (01 December 2011), by highlighting the vital importance of good nutrition for those living with HIV and AIDS. The BDA also has a specialist group working in this field called Dietitians in HIV and AIDS (DHIVA).
16 November 2011
The BDA Announces the Results of its Annual Top 5 Worst Celebrity Diets to Avoid in the New Year
The long anticipated list of the 5 worst celebrity diets to avoid in the New Year has finally been released by the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
14 November 2011
Surviving Christmas Parties without weight gain
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) lists the top five tips to enjoying the festive party merriness and parties while maintaining a healthy balance and a healthy body.
10th November 2011
Islington Council Signs up to BDA Campaign
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has launched of a brand new national campaign called Mind the Hunger Gap (November 2011) and Islington Council is the first local authority in the UK to sign up to its principles. Read the press release about Islington Council.
1st November 2011
Mind the Hunger Gap National Campaign Launch
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is today announcing the launch of a brand new national campaign called Mind the Hunger Gap.
14th October 2011: Sports Dietitians advise Welsh Rugby Team what to eat on the Big Day
As Wales get ready to face France, what they are eating will be of crucial importance on the field. It is a myth that lots of high protein food, such as steak and eggs, will give the energy needed for at least 80 minutes play. Instead, Welsh Rugby players need to eat a carbohydrate-rich breakfast and a light pre-match brunch to give essential energy to muscles. Read more ...
3rd October 2011
Have You Met Miss Jones? New Channel 4 Series Fronted by Top Dietitian
British Dietetic Association (BDA) media spokesperson, Lucy Jones, is taking a leading role in a brand new primetime Channel 4 series.
The Food Hospital, is due to air early November 2011 at 8pm in a mid-week prime time slot.
30th September 2011
British Dietetic Association Supports Breast Cancer
Awareness Month: October 2011
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with the highest risk being in women over the age of 50. There are currently around 47 000 women diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and you may not realise that around 341 men are also diagnosed per year.
Dietary and lifestyle factors such as increased rates of obesity, high alcohol intake, high fat and low fibre diets have all been blamed for the observed increased rates of breast cancer, however a clear link has not been found. Read more ...
6th September 2011
British Dietetic Association Join NHS Vigil
To show its support of the NHS, the trade union arm of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) will be attending this week’s vigil at the House of Commons on 7 September 2011. Read more ...
30th August 2011
New BDA Professional Practice and Education web pages
The Education and Professional Development team at the BDA have updated the information and tools provided to members on practice, policy and education issues through the BDA website. Read more ...
26th August 2011
Healthy Packed Lunches Tips for the New School Year
A collective sigh of relief will be heard around the country in a matter of weeks, as many exhausted parents send their little loved ones back to school. However, with the new school year about to start, many parents begin the process of that infamous New School Year Resolution: Healthy Packed Lunches.
12th July 2011
Summer Time Tips for the Waistline
The British Dietetic Association has compiled a list of ideas and suggestions to help ensure you and the children don’t pile on the pounds during this period. Read more ...
5th July 2011
Check Your Food Facts during Childhood Obesity Week
During Childhood Obesity Week (4-10 July 2011), the British Dietetic Association (BDA) is inviting members of the public to access their Food Factsheets for tips and advice on health eating for children.
10th June 2011
Dehydration Week
BDA Supports Dehydration Awareness Week with some Handy Tips
June 6 2011 marked the start of Dehydration in Older People Awareness week.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) Chairman’s theme for the coming year is Malnutrition and this week they are highlighting the direct link between Dehydration and Malnutrition.
This press release answers 5 common misconceptions.
13 December 2010
Top 5 Worst Celebrity Diets to Avoid in 2010
That time of the year is just around the corner. The Christmas festivities have come and gone, the New Year’s Eve party is just a blur, everyone in the office has a case of the post-Christmas blues, and this year, yes this year, you will get the body of your dreams! But how?
Here are the top dodgy diets the BDA has spoken out against in 2010 and their reported celebrity fans.
6th December 2010
Christmas Day Stuffing
The average person in the UK will consume around 6,000 calories on Christmas day alone (versus the guideline daily amount of 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men)!
In addition to this, over the festive period, which seems to kick off earlier and earlier, the average person may consume an extra 500 calories per day, equating to a weight gain of around 5lb by the time January the first comes around.
1st December 2010
The LBD (little black dress) Guide to Getting the Christmas Parties Started.
26 November 2010
A Healthy Diet Plays a Vital Role in the Lives of People Living with HIV
11th November 2010
She’s NOT a Dietitian Get Her In There!!!
Ahead of Gillian McKeith entering the Australian outback to take part in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity..., the British Dietetic Association wants to clarify that Ms McKeith is not a dietitian.
9th November 2010
New Professional Sport and Exercise Register Launched
A brand new professional register for nutrition professionals working with elite athletes has been officially launched.
1st November 2010
Food for Bonfire Night
Dietitian Sian Porter helps you plan tasty treats to keep you warm on Friday 5 November.
11th October 2010
Shocking New Report Highlights Older People
are at Serious Risk from Malnutrition
The British Dietetic Association is supporting the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Community Meals Week (11-17 October 2010). This will involve a week of events around the UK raising the profile of meals served in the local community.
The BDA is also adding its voice to the NACC’s call to action to introduce a National Standard to help older people receive the meal service they deserve. Read more...
9th September 2010
BDA's motion to TUC about Malnutrition
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) will be at the TUC Conference next week in Manchester to present a hard-hitting motion to conference delegates. The motion outlines in very strong terms the unsatisfactory levels of malnutrition in our hospitals and other care settings and the additional £13 billion pounds this costs the UK economy. Read more ...
1st September 2010
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 acclaimed 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.
Mae llawer ohonon ni’n cael tua degfed ran o’n hegni o alcohol, ond does gan y rhan fwyaf ohonon ni ddim syniad faint o galorïau sydd yn ein diodydd. Dyma’r rhybudd gan Gymdeithas Ddietegol Prydain (BDA) ac Alcohol Concern Cymru heddiw.
11th August 2010
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...
21st July 2010
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...
5th July 2010
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....
18th June 2010
Leading Annual Conference to take on Malnutrition
This year’s conference will take place with the theme being Food, Feeding and Malnutrition, which is also the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Chairman’s theme for 2010/11. It is estimated that malnutrition in the UK alone costs the economy £13 billion every year.
The annual event attracts a high number of dietitian attendees and external interested parties who come together to listen to and discuss a whole range of issues. The event also showcases the fact that dietitians are leaders in the delivery of nutritional care and pivotal to the implementation of the nutrition and quality of care agenda.
16th June 2010
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...
28th May 2010
Nutrition is the theme - BDA endorses BAPEN toolkit
BDA Honorary Chairman Helen Davidson has chosen Food, Feeding and Malnutrition as her ‘chairman’s theme’ so it is with delight that she welcomes The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) nutrition toolkit. Read more...
BDA member involved in development of first NICE guideline on childhood constipation
Children’s dietitian Sara Mancell represented the profession on the guideline development group (GDG) for the first national evidence-based guidelines on childhood constipation.
Though not life-threatening, constipation in children is very common, affecting up to 30% of the child population and it is the second most referred condition in paediatric gastroenterology, accounting for at least 25% of visits. Read more..
26th February 2010
New research carried out by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) shows that many soups on sale in the UK, particularly some well known brands and those from popular high street café's, still contain high levels of salt
11th February 2010
Obesity, physical activity and diet statistics
Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2010 was published today by the NHS Information centre and includes new analysis on the health outcomes of people who are overweight and obese as well as a summary of already published diet, exercise and weight-related information. Read more...
January 2010:
Wendy Martinson recognised in New Year Honours
Sports dietitian Wendy Martinson has been made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
Wendy, who is chair of the BDA’s sports specialist group, Sports Dietitians UK, was cited for services to sports and to nutrition. Read more...
18th January 2010
Beat the Bulge Campaign
FSA Saturated Fat Campaign: Phase 2
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) welcomes phase 2 of the Food Standards Agency saturated fat campaign launched today, Monday 18th January 2010, and calls on the public to seek out local activities run by dietitians across the country offering practical and simple steps to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diets and get the balance right. Read more...
11th January 2010
Beat the Bulge Campaign
Too Good to be True?
Many of us will be looking to lose a few pounds following the Christmas binge. However, according to the British Dietetic Association (BDA) we shouldn’t get tempted by the ever increasing range of “quick fix” and “miracle” options that make unrealistic weight loss promises with minimum effort.
Sometimes a novel approach to weight loss can be fun and motivating but if it is ineffective in helping you shed the pounds and keeping them off then, it’s a missed opportunity.
So how can you tell the dieting fact from the fiction? Read more...
7th January 2010
Beat the Bulge Campaign
From the Twelve Days of Xmas to the selection box of fad diets
Thinking New Year New You?
Well don’t think diet - diets don’t work – especially the many weird and wonderful fad diets that stage a comeback appearance every January.
Read the British Dietetic Association’s list of the worst fad diets to avoid this New Year.
11th December 2009
Party tricks to help you sparkle
With the Christmas party season underway and sequins the big trend, you may well be wondering how you are going to balance the season's temptations with getting into that stunning, sparkly outfit. Well, with the help from the British Dietetic Association you can!
There are a few tips that can help you enjoy this festive period, give you a great, healthy body shape and give you the get up and go that gets you through the day, while taking care of the nutrients your body needs to stay in optimum condition. Read more...
11th December 2009
Dietitians give help rather than hype to those with Food Allergy
When it comes to food allergies and intolerance, the advice available to the public ranges from the dependable to the downright dangerous. Recognising the need to ensure that the public receive consistent and reliable advice, The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and five other allergy and nutrition organisations (Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the British Nutrition Foundation, Coeliac UK and Foods Matter) on a just published advice leaflet for people who have been newly diagnosed with a food allergy.
The leaflet, Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance, guides people with a food allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, through the steps to remember when buying food and when eating out.
1st December 2009
Stuff the turkey and not yourself this Christmas
Christmas comes but once a year and maybe it’s just as well as according to the British Dietetic Association we will eat our way through as many as 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone (3 times the guideline daily amount of 2000 calories).
28th October 2009
Beat the winter blues with winter greens
With the leaves blowing off the trees and the temperatures dropping, you might feel tempted to hide under layers of clothes and eat away those winter blues; but by taking the lead from hibernating animals you could stave off the hunger pangs during the dark nights. Read more...
23rd September 2009
More than a third of children could face an unfit future
More than a third of children could face significant health problems in adulthood unless more is done to encourage families to be more active. That’s just one of a number of key findings in a new report, ‘Fit for the Future - How healthy and active are our children?’, published on 23 September by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
To help parents and teachers get young children’s health back on track, the CSP has teamed up with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to roll out a number of Healthy School Days at primary schools across the UK, marking the launch of its ‘Move for Health Kids’ campaign. The events will see teams of chartered physiotherapists and dietitians visiting schools to provide expert advice to parents and teachers on exercise and nutrition.
Read the full press release... / What is the Move for Health campaign? Guidance for Dietitians.
16th September 2009
Dietitians battling to build-up military patients
Military patients transferred from field hospitals with serious injuries are being given vital nutritional intervention to minimise weight/muscle loss, promote wound healing and optimise a patient’s recovery from their injuries
Many of these injuries are the result of incendiary explosive device blasts, which can cause multiple severe injuries such as amputation, head injuries, shrapnel injuries/lacerations and burns that may require multiple complex surgeries and procedures.
15th September 2009
Dietitians Warn of the Dangers of Crash Diets
Dietitians are warning the public of the danger of crash diets - just days after news of the death of a woman on a 500 calorie-a-day programme came to light.
The British Dietetic Association is urging people to seek medical advice before starting such programmes, so the slimming plan can be appropriately followed and monitored to pick up problems or abuse of the plan.
They also warn that the success of crash diets is short-lived: especially as they cannot provide all the nutrients found in a healthy balanced diet and do not re-educate your eating habits to long-term healthy eating. Read more...
27th July 2009
New website gives the green light to curries
Whilst curries might be one of the UK’s most popular dishes, they certainly aren’t the healthiest. For example, an average serving of lamb biryani which has almost half a women’s daily calorie and fat needs - a whopping 828 kcalories and contains around 44g of fat. However, a new website should help decipher the good from the bad, as well as give guidance to healthier alternatives.
Created by the Aga Khan Health Board for the United Kingdom and TheIsmaili.org - the official website of the global Ismaili Muslim community, the groundbreaking online nutrition centre (www.TheIsmaili.org/nutrition) will give the green light to a host of tasty South Asian dishes. Nutritional expertise has been provided by Azmina Govindji, a member of the British Dietetic Association. Read more...
28th May 2009
British Dietetic Association Reveals Clothes Show Glow Secrets
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) will be taking centre stage at Clothes Show Live, which runs from May 29 – 31 at London’s Excel Centre.
Following previous successful attendance at the Birmingham NEC Clothes Show Live, the BDA stand will focus on diet, health and feeling good with advice to those wanting to look good but without having to be a size zero. Read more ...
18th May 2009
Low fat dieters feel like outcasts among friends
Low fat dieters feel pressured to break their regimes in order not to appear rude, impolite or ungrateful when with friends or at social gatherings, according to a new study. Read the press release....
11th May 2009
New breastfeeding diet resource for National Breastfeeding Week
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has launched a new free fact sheet on diet and breastfeeding in time to support National Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2009, helping mothers with an at-a-glance, reliable reference to support their decision to breastfeed. Read the press release...
7th May
Dietitians offer tips flu tips
Good nutrition is always important, but when a new health risk appears we often ask ourselves ‘what can I eat to help keep me healthy?’ The answer, according to the British Dietetic Association (BDA), unlike the virus, is not new but worth reminding everyone of! Read more ...
27th April 2009
BDA /DOM UK statement on OTC Alli
The Dietitians in Obesity Management (DOM UK) specialist group of the British Dietetic Association believes that people using Alli, the new non-prescription weight loss aid, need comprehensive support to change their eating habits. This is to ensure they follow a healthy calorie-controlled, low fat eating plan to effectively and safely promote weight loss and to avoid any side effects of Alli. Read more...
20th April 2009
Dietitians reveal secret weapons to tackle depression
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions suffered by millions of people in the UK and Europe. Dietitians have been examining ways to change what people eat to help to improve symptoms. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has now revealed some of the key dietary components thought to manage mild to moderate depression. Read more...
25th March 2009
Pills for Pregnancy:
Dietitians support supplementary measures to tell mums-to-be about folic acid pills
Dietitians are warning that women in the UK continue to risk Neural Tube Defect (NTD) affected pregnancies because they are not aware of official Department of Health advice given 16 years ago, which recommends women intending to become pregnant should take folic acid supplements from preconception.
Dr Gail Rees, dietitian researcher with the East London project, said: “Folic acid is really important very early on in foetal development, especially as the neural tube closes within a month of conception, and having a good level of folate (folic acid) in the blood of the mother has been shown to prevent foetal defects such as spina bifida.” Read more...
12 February 2009
Adults with learning disabilities to be given extra support by dietitians
A new national set of good practice guidelines has been developed by dietitians for health professionals to prevent nutritional problems as well as optimise the health and wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities.
Read more...
10th February 2009:
Dietitians act on Sat Fat
The 
British Dietetic Association (BDA) says that dietitians will be crucial to the delivery of the Food Standards Agency’s new campaign targeting saturated fat launched today.
The BDA welcomes the FSA’s ‘Sat Fat’ campaign and calls on the public to seek out local activities, run by dietitians across the country, that help people make practical and simple steps to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diets and get the balance right.
Dietitians are already working with community groups to run ‘Cook and Eat’ sessions – teaching people that healthy eating can be easy and tasty, and many run local award schemes with restaurants and takeaways to improve the availability of healthier choices.
Read the press release...
10th February 2009
BDA endorse report findings on malnutrition
The British Dietetic Association, endorsed the findings of a new report - Combating Malnutrition: Recommendations for Action - that is launched today (10 February) following the culmination of work undertaken by a group of experts in malnutrition. The Report reveals that three million people are living at risk of malnutrition in the UK, with the cost of the condition now estimated to be £13 billion every year. It also puts forward 25 actions that the Government needs to take to address the problem of malnutrition.
Read more...
19th January 2009:
‘Readiness to Change’ the secret to successful weight loss
Dieters who started the New Year with good intentions to shed a few pounds after the Christmas binge are likely to fail if they are not determined, motivated or not genuinely ready to change, according to a leading dietetic researcher.
A study published in the latest edition of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics1 by Dr Mary Hickson, Catherine Macqueen and Prof Gary Frost found that the diet regimen and clinic setting was less important than attitude when it came to losing weight. Additionally the report found that those who did not ‘choose to lose’ were more likely to succeed if they attended an intensive weight management programme under the supervision of a dietitian. Read the press release...
12th January 2009
Change4Life campaign
We’ve signed up - Have you?
The BDA has signed up for the government’s new Change4Life campaign for England, aimed at helping families to eat well, move more and live longer.
1st January 2009:
Dietitians slam ‘detox’ as nonsense
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) says that the idea of ‘detox’ is a load of nonsense as people gear up to lose the weight they’ve put on over Christmas.
As a counter to all of the myths and marketing hype accompanying the detox and diet delusions in January, the British Dietetic Association is a voice of balance, reason and sense, giving 5 top diet tips. Read the press release.3rd December 2008
Joint campaign with the Health Professions Council
Dietitian, nutritionist, food advisor – do YOU know the difference? Are you being bombarded with advice from various sources offering quick-fix cures or the latest fad diets? Then look no further. We’re launching a joint campaign with the Health Professions Council to warn consumers against seeking advice from unregulated and inappropriately qualified sources – and why you should make sure your health professional is registered.
Read the press release about the BDA and HPC campaign.
11th November:
Dietitians celebrate their Unity with Unions to deliver health for all
The dietitians’ union at the British Dietetic Association (BDA) today celebrates 25 years independent Trade Union status and of supporting health for all the family with keynote addresses from the TUC’s Brendan Barber and GMB president Mary Turner. Read more...
4th November 2008: Dietitians give the all-clear on carbs
Mention of the words "carbs" and "dieting" in the same breath usually leads many of us to think of banning bread and pushing potatoes off the plate. But the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has issued a new fact sheet explaining why carbs are top of the class when it comes to healthy foods to help with weight loss. Read more...
14th October 2008: Vitamin D
Despite the current brighter weather and predictions of a warmer autumn, the lack of sunshine over the summer months could lead to young children, pregnant and breastfeeding mums and older people lacking essential Vitamin D. The British Dietetic Association is now calling for action to make essential vitamin supplements more widely available for at-risk groups.
With only 464 hours of sunshine during the summer – seven percent less than average - dietitians are warning that a lack of the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ may increase the risk of fits in babies, rickets in toddlers and chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis and some cancers, amongst the most vulnerable adults. Read more...
3rd October 2008
Hot on the heels of Jamie Oliver’s latest mission to improve the eating habits of Rotherham in his new TV series ‘Jamie’s Ministry of Food’ and his ‘Pass It On’ campaign, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) is challenging Jamie to engage with dietitians who have been using these techniques for years!
Read the BDA Press Release...
15th September: Student Diet
Eking out funds as a student is never easy but with food prices jumping almost 60% in the past year, dietitians are advising students how to make sure they stay well fed on a tight budget.
Read the BDA press release...
11 September 2008
Adding Up With School Food
Every parent of every primary school child in Britain is making the same decision this week: school meals or packed lunches. Children have strong views on the subject. But so do teachers, caterers and dietitians (and celebrity chefs!). Read the BDA Press Release.
29th August 2008:
Breakfast and Berries: the Secret to Beijing Success
The importance of breakfast and berries has been amply proven by Britain’s Olympic heroes and now their secrets of achieving world-beating performances and boosting recovery can help everyone get that extra bounce back in their lives.
A good breakfast is key: many of the top Olympians, including medal-winning sailors, like Paul Goodison and Sarah Ayton, regularly ate porridge for breakfast as part of their pre-Olympic campaign. Ann Ashworth, registered sports dietitian and British Dietetic Association member, says: “Porridge oats are high in energy-giving carbohydrates, which are slowly absorbed and help stave off hunger pangs.
Read the BDA press release.
12th August 2008:
Thinking About Supplements to Help You Think?
A new study carried out at the University of Aberdeen and published in the latest issue of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests that there is no conclusive evidence of a link between taking vitamin or mineral or fish oil supplements and reducing cognitive decline in older people. Read the press release.
21st July 2008:
Dietitians issue warning about ‘nuts’
Dietitians are warning people about the rise in the number of self-styled and unqualified nutritional therapists after a patient of an Oxfordshire based ‘nutritionist’ won a £810,000 settlement. The British Dietetic Association is urging people wanting nutrition advice to only visit professionals registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Recently the Oxford Mail reported that Dawn Page was put on a weight reducing diet that recommended excessive amounts of water and a low salt by Barbara Nash a self-styled nutritionist; advice which Mrs. Page’s husband alleges caused 'uncontrolled vomiting and a fit' and resulted in brain damage.
BDA Conference 2008: press releases
19th June 2008: Several awards were made to dietitians at the BDA Conference for their outstanding services to the profession. Full details below:
- Education and Research Awards: Glasgow Dietitians Mary Laidlaw and Dimitrios Spanos have been recognised by their professional body for their work in helping people with learning disabilities understand the importance of a balanced diet.
- Elizabeth Washington Award: Northern Ireland dietitians Lyn Donnelly and Claire McEvoy have been awarded the Elizabeth Washington Award for their work in improving nutrition in the workplaces of the southern area of Northern Ireland.
- Ibex Awards: Elizabeth McKnight and Sue McQuire for significant contributions made to the profession.
- Fellowship of the BDA: four recipients: Sue Acreman, Cardiff, Judith Catherwood, Inverness, Judyth Jenkins, Cardiff and Alexa Scott, London have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the profession at a national level.
- Rose Simmonds Award: Dr Mary Hickson, dietitian from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, has been honoured with the prestigious Rose Simmonds Award for her research into the use of probiotics in the prevention of antibiotic related diarrhoea in hospital patients.
18th June 2008 three press releases: Omega-3 on the menu at Dietetic Conference, Dietitians prepare Olympians for Success, and Children with eating disorders slipping through the net.
17th June 2008 three press releases: GOALS - achieving active lifestyles and less obesity in children, Slimming Clubs Reducing Weight Among Teenagers, and New curriculum and professional development support keeps dietitians on top of the class.
16th June 2008: Are women apple or pear shaped? Or are more women really wine glass shaped? Many women are forgetting to include the calories from the wine they drink when they plan their diets.
9th June 2008: People with Diabetes cannot eat grapes or bananas, or can they?
A snapshot survey by dietitians found that people with diabetes are confused about what foods they can and cannot eat. The survey of dietitians working in diabetes was carried out by the Diabetes Management and Education Group of the British Dietetic Association to coincide with Diabetes Awareness Week (8-14 June).
7th April 2008: A Heart to Hart.
Dietitians from Bwrdd Cymru (Welsh Board) of the British Dietetic Association met the Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart on Monday 7th, to request continued investment in the profession if the Welsh Assembly Government is serious about tackling obesity and diet related disease.
13th March 2008: Sugar and yeast avoidance is no fix for fatigue.
New dietetic research published today shows that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not helped by low sugar low yeast diets, compared to a well balanced and healthy diet. The research, partially funded by The ME Association and carried out by the infection and immunity group based at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, looked at different dietary treatments of patients diagnosed with ME/CFS.26th February 2008: Eating disorders not just affecting young women.
Eating disorder specialists are seeing more and more women over 50 years old and men in their clinics.
Members of the Mental Health Group of the British Dietetic Association have witnessed more diagnosed cases of eating disorders in both men and older women.
12th December 2007: avoiding Christmas over-indulgence.
Surveys show that on average we will eat our way through as many as 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone which, according to the British Dietetic Association, may be a result of overindulging on second helpings, snacks and alcohol. Whilst we are likely to put on an average 5lbs (2kg) in weight over the Christmas period, the Christmas meal is not the main culprit.
Related press releases:
- Enjoy Christmas without the 6,000 calorie overindulgence.
- Party tricks to getting into that ‘must have’ outfit.
6th December 2007: the British Dietetic Association Reveals Clothes Show Body Secrets. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) will be taking centre stage at the Well Being Zone at Clothes Show Live, which runs from December 7 to 12 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Following last year’s success, the BDA ‘Glow Zone’ will again head up the section, which focuses on diet, health and feeling good, with advice to those wanting to look good without having to be a size zero. Visitors will have exclusive access to free, confidential, 15-minute diet consultations from professionally trained dietitians. Experts will also be on the stand to answer food and nutrition questions.
5th December 2007: BDA responds to report linking overweight and obesity to pregnancy and birth problems. Responding to a Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health, Catherine Collins, dietitian and British Dietetic Association spokesperson, said: “Pregnancy is often the first time that women tend to focus on how diet influences their health but a varied and healthy diet is essential for a healthy baby. Women who are overweight or obese run the risk of health problems and a large baby to deliver.
4th December 2007: BDA welcomes the Cancer Reform Strategy.
21st November: Hospital food on the agenda at Health and Nutrition Conference. Members of the BDA’s Food Counts Group will be speaking at the forthcoming Health and Nutrition Conference on (23/24 November) as well as running a parallel session in dealing with malnourishment in hospital patients.
With 40% of patients entering hospital already malnourished the topic of nutrition in care has come to the fore in recent months with the launch of the Ten Key Characteristics for good nutritional care by the Council of Europe Alliance (UK) and the ‘Improving Nutrition’ Action Plan, which has identified five key priorities for delivering improved nutritional care to the most vulnerable people in our society.
7th November: New body to drive the dietetic profession forward in Wales. Bwrdd Cymru - the Welsh Board of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) - is being officially launched today (7 November) at the Senedd. Hosted by Edwina Hart, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Bwrdd Cymru will establish a focus for all BDA activity in Wales as well as provide a stronger voice for dietitians in Wales.
30th October: BDA Welcomes Nutrition Action Plan. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is a key contributor to the ‘Improving Nutrition’ action plan. The BDA believes that the Action Plan, which has identified five key priorities for action, will provide a common vision for all those involved in the delivery of nutritional care to the most vulnerable people in our society.
9th October: Fats - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Despite recent high-level awareness campaigns aimed at cutting fats from the nation’s diets, especially trans (ugly) fats, greater emphasis should be made to reduce saturated (bad) fat intake. This will help heart disease rates continue to fall, according to Rachel Vine, a Leeds-based community dietitian.
4th October 2007: The British Dietetic Association has been instrumental in creating the 10 Key characteristics for good nutritional care and supports the launch of the 10 Key Characteristics by the Council of Europe Alliance (UK). The 10 Key Characteristics aim to communicate what good care looks like to all professions at the bedside and in the boardroom.
26th September 2007: The British Dietetic Association (BDA) welcomes the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee’s report into allergy testing and treatment and its call for the establishment of specialist allergy centres across the country.
19th September 2007: The British Dietetic Association (BDA) today welcomed the Advertising Standards Authority’s decision to uphold a complaint about claims made in a direct mailing for books by Patrick Holford.
17th September 2007: Dietitians hail return of balanced diet plate and How many peas in a portion?
10th September 2007: students should cut out takeaways to beat the bulge and the overdraft.
16th July 2007: Dietitians Give 5 Top Tips to Enjoy the Mediterranean on Your Doorstep.
2nd July 2007: New Law from Europe Set to Restrict Reliable Advice from Qualified Dietitians but Gives Celebrities a Free Rein.
26th June 2007: Dietitians Give Top Tips for Smokers Planning to Quit.
BDA Conference press releases
21st June 2007: Nine awards to dietitians made at BDA Awards dinner in Belfast.
20th June 2007: Dietitians Plan to Join Forces to Improve Patient Resources. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) announced today that it has started discussions with the Scottish Nutrition and Diet Resources Initiative (SNDRí), an established provider of diet and nutrition resources for patients, to consider a merger over the next three year period.
20th June2007: Dietitians Debate Hot Nutrition Issues in Belfast.
19th June 2007 Press Release: BDA Manifesto Make Nutrition Matter launched at the BDA Conference in Belfast.
11th June 2007 Press Release: Dietitians come to Belfast to debate Hot Nutrition Issues – Invitation to Journalists.
6th June 2007 Press Release: Food Addiction and Health Claims.
08/05/07 Press release: Diet and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/ME).
19/04/07 Press release: Food Fortification and Energy Drinks.
28/03/07 Bwrdd Cymru (Welsh Board) of The British Dietetic Association today launched its manifesto describing its key priorities. These are to improve public health and hospital food, support chronic disease management and develop the dietetic workforce in Wales to enhance the quality of life for people living in Wales.
31/03/07 Peanuts: pregnancy and new mums.
14/02/07 Dietitians - Nutrition sense not Nonsense
13/02/07 Give me 5 reasons why dietitians love aphrodisiacs!
02/01/2007 Too few dietitians spells disaster for delivery of Government's health agenda.
22/12/2006 Dietitians help shed £s as well as lbs.
29/09/2006 Dietitians raise the alarm on alternative food allergy tests and dietary autism treatments
22/06/2006 Leading North-West Dietitian Wins Award For Her Dedication
22/06/2006 The British Dietetic Association Awards Work With Overweight Children
22/06/2006 Dietitian's Research To Improve Nutrition Care In Barnsley Care Homes
22/06/2006 Leading Ulster dietitian Wins Award For Her Dedication To Patient Care
22/06/2006 Lothian Dietitian Wins Prestigious Award To Improve Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa
22/06/2006 Surrey Dietitian Wins Award For Her Dedication To Education
22/06/2006 Local Dietitian Wins Award For Her Dedication To Raising Standards
22/06/2006 Cardiff Dietitian Wins Prestigious Award
22/06/2006 Plymouth Professor Wins Award For Her Pioneering Ways In Educating Dietitians
22/06/2006 Dietitian Wins Award For Her Commitment To The Profession
19/06/2006 Dietitians Debate Hot Nutrition Issues
Dietitians Offer World Cup Hope!
Weight Wise - The Next Generation Campaign
10/04/2006 BDA helps in the battle against nutrition misinformation
9/02/2006 Eating Together is Important for Elderly Patients
19/01/2006 Malnutrition in hospitals
16/01/2006 The role of diet in the management of mental health service users
16/01/2006 BDA launches media hotline
12/12/2005 At Risk of Heart Disease? Check Your Clothes.
03/10/2005 British Dietetic Association Supports School Food Transformation
29/07/2005 BDA's Latest Statement on Food Supplements
19/07/2005 - HPC Approves CPD Standards
12/07/2005 Dietitians welcome EU directive on supplements