What to Know Before Your Dietitian Appointment

Have you decided to see a dietitian but are not sure what to do before your first appointment? Preparing for the appointment helps you get the most from the process and helps the dietitian put together a suitable eating plan.

So what should you pay attention to before your appointment, and what information and documents should you prepare? Here is what you need to know before seeing a dietitian.

1. Be clear about why you want to see a dietitian

Knowing what you want from the appointment helps the process go more smoothly.

Reasons for seeing a dietitian can include:

• Managing your weight (losing or gaining)
• Building healthy eating habits
• Learning about sports nutrition
• Getting an eating plan for a health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, digestive problems and so on)
• Getting nutrition counselling for pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Putting together a plan to support your gut health

Tip: stating a clear goal at your appointment makes it easier to put together a personal eating plan.

2. Note down your health history and any medication

Your dietitian will want to know your health history and the medication you take when putting together your eating plan.

Information to share with your dietitian:

• Past illnesses and long-term conditions
• Medication and supplements you take (vitamins, probiotics and so on)
• Allergies or intolerances (lactose, gluten and so on)
• Inherited conditions in your family (diabetes, heart disease and so on)

Tip: to make sure the eating programme suits you, give accurate and complete information about your health history.

3. Review your daily eating habits

Your dietitian may ask you questions such as:

• How many meals do you eat a day?
• What times do you eat?
• Which foods do you like, and which do you avoid?
• How often do you eat fast food, sugary foods and processed foods?
• How much water do you drink each day?

Tip: to make it easier for your dietitian to put together your plan, you can write down what you eat in a notebook for a few days.

4. Bring any recent health test results (from the last 3 to 6 months)

Your dietitian may need your blood test results when planning your eating. If you have had a recent health check, showing the results to your dietitian can save time.

Some tests your dietitian may want to see:

• Blood sugar (glucose)
• Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR test)
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4)
• Iron, B12 and vitamin D levels
• Liver and kidney function tests

Tip: if you have not had a health check recently, your dietitian can refer you to your doctor for tests if needed.

5. Know and note your body measurements

Your dietitian will probably carry out a body analysis, but knowing your own measurements before your appointment can speed things up.

What to measure:

• Your weight and height
• Waist, hip and chest measurements
• Your previous weight and any recent changes in weight

Tip: measure at home beforehand and write the numbers down so that you can follow your progress.

6. Wear comfortable clothes

Your dietitian will probably carry out a body analysis and ask you to step on the scales to measure your fat, muscle and water percentages.

• Wear light clothing.
• Choose loose, comfortable clothes.
• For accurate measurements, avoid heavy accessories or thick clothing.

Tip: body analysis is generally more accurate on an empty stomach, so you may wish to avoid heavy meals before your appointment.

7. Keep track of how much water you drink

Your dietitian will ask how much water you drink each day.

Why does water matter?

• It is involved in many of the body's metabolic processes.
• It supports kidney function.
• It can help you feel full and may help you avoid overeating.
• It supports healthy skin.

Tip: note how much water you drink before your appointment and share it with your dietitian.

8. Speak openly and clearly with your dietitian

For your dietitian to put together a suitable eating plan, it is important that you share your eating habits, daily routine and goals clearly.

• Set realistic goals for managing your weight.
• Say which foods you like and which you do not.
• Tell your dietitian how you eat on special occasions and when travelling.
• Describe your stress, sleep routine and exercise habits.

Tip: seeing a dietitian should not make you feel guilty. Being open and honest makes your healthy eating journey easier.

Go to your dietitian appointment prepared

To get the most from your appointment, look at your own eating habits, write down your health history and set clear goals.

• Share your health history and medication with your dietitian.
• Bring any recent test results.
• Review your daily eating habits.
• Keep track of your water intake and note your body measurements.
• Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment.

Remember: accurate and complete information helps your dietitian support you well. We wish you well on your healthy eating journey.

This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.