On Dietitian's Day we spoke to Senior Dietitian Kristine Smith to find out more about dieticians and how they're helping improve our diet, health and wellbeing.

What is the role of a dietitian?
Dietitians translate the latest scientific information into practical advice about what to eat and support people to improve their health.

Our team of five dietitians are qualified to assist with conditions and concerns including reversal of malnutrition, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, weight reduction, food allergies and intolerances.

What happens in an appointment?
The initial consultation may run for around 45 minutes to an hour. The dietitian will ask detailed questions about your current diet, exercise habits, general health and lifestyle. These questions allow the dietitian to tailor an individual eating plan to your needs.
If you have a medical condition and have been referred to a dietitian by your doctor, the dietitian will work closely with your doctor.

Follow-up appointments allow the dietitian to keep track of your progress, support you and fine-tune your eating plan. Your dietitian’s main goal is to give you the knowledge and skills to be able to make the best food choices and take care of your health.

How can the general population best improve their diet?
Eating less processed foods, eating more vegetables, e.g. Meat free Mondays

We are here to help not to judge
It's rewarding to be able to help people meet their nutritional goals, often through the most challenging and confronting time of their life.

Dietitians never judge your food choices and we tailor goals to suit your likes and dislikes - and we eat unhealthy foods too, just sometimes, not every day!


The Wesley Dietitian Outpatient Clinic runs Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Thursdays. Phone 3232 6190 to make an appointment - no referral needed.