Dietitian

A dietitian is an expert in dietetics – human nutrition and the regulation of diet.

About Dietitians

A dietitian translates the science of nutrition into everyday information about food. They work with patients to alter their nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems.

Dietitians advise people and help them make informed and practical choices about their food and nutrition. This could include, for example, people with digestive problems, those who want to lose weight, or who need to put on weight after an illness, or people with an eating disorder or a food allergy.

Work involves assessing, diagnosing and treating dietary and nutritional problems and informing other health professionals about diet and nutrition.

Profile

Jenn who was born in Texas moved to the Island in 2018.

She has gone through extensive professional training and is a qualified dietitian on both sides of the Atlantic. As a celiac she knows first hand the link between diet and the effect it has on our bodies.

After three and a half years working at St Mary’s Hospital Jenn now works as a dietitian for the Central and West Wight Health Alliance providing support to patients of Cowes Medical Centre, Brookside Health Centre and Newport Health Centre.

Jenn is now putting her experience into practice working closely with GPs and other healthcare professionals from across other disciplines who now make up the teams at GP surgeries.

“There are so many different resources and areas of expertise within the practices here and I am really keen to bring my own speciality to such a diverse professional team.

Although a self-confessed lover of chocolate and ice-cream, Jenn is passionate about the science of nutrition and the importance of a healthy diet.

“If I were to give three golden bits of dietary advice it would be these: Firstly, eat healthy and well, including your five-a-day, and don’t skip meals. Secondly find an activity you enjoy doing and keep moving and be as active as you can and thirdly – don’t forget to enjoy your food…even if it is chocolate.”