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.

Trust a Dietitian to know about Nutrition

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 Dietitians Unlimited, which is run by the BDA's Freelance Dietitian Group.

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.

See BDA press releases.

New BDA HPC Media Campaign

BDA and HPC logos

Dietitian, nutritionist, food advisor – do YOU know the difference?

In the run-up to Christmas, are you being bombarded with advice from various sources offering quick-fix cures or the latest fad diets?

Then look no further. Our joint campaign with the Health Professions Council warns consumers against seeking advice from unregulated and inappropriately qualified sources – and why you should make sure your health professional is registered.

Why not start by taking a look at our press release? And if you’re looking for solid dietary information, check out our Food Facts.

If you want to see a dietitian, you can ask your GP or other healthcare professional for an NHS referral, or refer yourself, or see a dietitian privately by visiting www.dietitiansunlimited.co.uk.

We’ll be updating our campaign as it develops – so keep visiting!