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What is a dietitian?

Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level.

What do dietitians do?

Latest news

Greater union support for members working in academia on its way

New joint membership arrangement between the BDA and UCU, designed to strengthen support for dietitians working in further and higher education.

Sign the joint union letter to Wes Streeting to say 3.3% is not enough

Members in England are invited to sign an open letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting on the 3.3% pay rise for NHS staff. 

Members invited to shape our priorities ahead of the 2027 Northern Ireland elections

With the Northern Ireland Assembly elections taking place in 2027, we want to ensure that your views are understood by political parties.

Health Unions say NHS employers must end postcode lottery on flexible working

NHS leaders must make flexible working the norm to deliver better patient care and help resolve the staffing crisis, say unions today.

New paper provides guidance for developing advanced practice dietetic roles in Scotland

'Transforming Roles Paper 9: Allied Health Professions Advanced Practice' was recently published, providing support for the development of advanced practice dietetic roles in Scotland.

Share your thoughts on the latest NHS pay offer

We are seeking your views on the recently announced pay award from the government, for those of you working for the NHS, with Agenda for Change terms and conditions in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. 

Shifting ground: how food policy is transforming

We are navigating a highly active and fast‑moving food policy environment, with advertising restrictions and the new nutrient profile model.

The Welsh Budget in brief

At the end of January, the Senedd passed the Welsh Government’s final budget for 2026-27.

2026-27 Agenda for Change pay award announced as government accepts Pay Review Body recommendations

Members on Agenda for Change contracts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will soon be consulted on a pay award of 3.3%, which the government shared with health unions this week.

 

Find a dietitian for your nutrition needs

Search for a private or freelance dietitian

 

Latest articles

Celebrating different minds this Neurodiversity Celebration Week

As a BDA Trade Union Representative, Alison Carr brings a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience of dyslexia. She reflects on how this strengthens her advocacy for members.

The first BDA evidence-based dietary guidelines for chronic constipation in adults: from evidence to practice

Dr Eirini Dimidi explains the background to the extensive project that resulted in the BDA evidence-based dietary guidelines for chronic constipation in adults.

Working with the unknown

Specialist Dietitian Nayran Muniz-Owen assesses the impact of unknown clinical and social histories on dietetic assessment in acute adult inpatient mental health settings.

Cow’s milk allergy in babies: Busting common myths

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in babies, yet it is still widely misunderstood. In this guide, Specialist Dietitian for Children & Parents Nishti Udeh will help you identify some common myths.

The EAT-Lancet Commission 2.0 on healthy, sustainable and just food systems: A commission by The Lancet

Tanya Haffner and Rosie Martin attended the launch of EAT-Lancet Commission 2.0 in Stockholm. Here, they provide some key takeaways, links to resources and reflections on what this can mean for dietitians and healthcare.

When culture meets clinical: The Sunnah Diet Information Leaflet

Mahmoud Natty, Naheen Shah and Thushara Dassanayake introduce a new patient information leaflet for Muslim adults living with CKD, aligning clinical nutrition advice with Islamic principles

Meet Emma Catling, our new Bwrdd Cymru Chair

Get to know Emma Catling, our new Bwrdd Cymru Chair, and discover more about her plans for the role.

Can you trust AI for nutrition advice? A dietitian reviews ChatGPT and Google answers

AI tools can be helpful for quick information, but how accurate are they when it comes to nutrition and health?

Calling all Supplementary Prescribers: We want your stories!

Share your experience of being a supplementary prescribing dietitian and help to build the case for independent prescribing.

 

Food Facts

Our Food Fact Sheets are written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy.


The BDA Food Facts sheets are free for you to read, download and print for your own reference. They must not be copied to other websites: please link to this site to ensure your readers see the latest version.