Dietitians down under?

November 8, 2008 10:14 PM

Can anyone help me find the best dietitian in Melbourne, Australia?

After reading pretty much every diet related post on the green in the last four years, I'm going to follow the advice of many, and seek the help of a dietitian in hopes of avoiding an early grave.

Before I crack open the yellow pages, I thought I would check in here to see if anyone has any personal or anecdotal recommendations for someone who can work with a young and extremely picky, sugar-addicted, time-poor, guy with zero cooking skills, to help make some long-term changes.

Cost is no object. Location can be up to an hour drive from central Melbourne.

posted by LongDrive to health & fitness (2 comments total)

I can't give you any specific recommendations or anecdotes about dietitians in Melbourne, but I can suggest that you make sure you see an APD (Accredited Practising Dietitian) to ensure you're receiving evidence-based advice. If you flip through the yellow pages searching for "nutritionist" or something similar, you're entering the unknown.

The Dietitians Association of Australia has a search that you can use to find someone in your area.

It might be good to call up a few people and ask them what their specialty is (some dietitians, for example, are diabetes educators, or work with people after heart surgery or transplantation, while others focus more on general healthy eating.) The search linked to above has a drop-down list where you can choose the area of focus.

I'm not sure how the payment system works down there, but in Canada, unless you're referred to see a dietitian in hospital, you have see someone in private practise and pay out of pocket. Definitely check out more info on the DAA website.

Good luck!
posted by peggynature at 8:25 AM on November 9, 2008

You don't need to be referred in Australia. Although your GP might be able to point you in the direction of a good dietitian. If you have private health cover (HCF, MBF, etc) your extras cover should include dietitian visits.

As far as specific recommendations go, Dr Rick Kausman has a really good reputation. Technically, he's a medical doctor, not a dietitian. He does, however, train dietitians, so maybe his office could point you toward someone decent?
posted by t0astie at 1:41 PM on November 9, 2008