Dietetics and Nutrition

Our dietitians work alongside your medical team to turn nutrition advice into practical, everyday care. They support people managing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and many other health concerns across childhood, pregnancy, adulthood, menopause, ageing, and complex medical care. Care is provided both in hospital wards and in outpatient clinics. Each dietary plan is built around your health, goals and lifestyle, and adjusted as your needs change.

What is dietetics and nutrition?

Dietetics use food and nutrition to support health and manage medical conditions. Dietitians are qualified, regulated health professionals trained to provide dietary advice and medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes, coeliac disease, kidney disease, and many others.

A dietitian assesses your diet, lifestyle and health needs, develops a personalised plan with you, and provides ongoing support as your needs change. Unlike the term ‘nutritionist’, ‘dietitian’ is a protected, regulated title, meaning dietitians can provide dietary care for diagnosed medical conditions alongside your doctor.

When should you see a dietitian?

You might see a dietitian if you:

• Have diabetes and need help with what to eat
• Are managing your weight or preparing for weight management treatment, including bariatric surgery or medication
• Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Live with coeliac disease, a food allergy or a digestive condition
• Have kidney disease and need a special diet
• Are pregnant or feeding a child with specific nutritional needs

You'll often see a dietitian following a referral from your doctor when nutrition is part of your treatment. However, you don't need to wait until you have a health problem. A dietitian can also help you eat well, manage long-term conditions, and reduce your risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the dietitian will carry out a dietary assessment, review your medical history, and discuss any medicines you take. Where relevant, they may assess your muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat and waist-to-hip ratio, and review recent blood test results. Your dietitian will also discuss your lifestyle and cultural eating habits to develop a tailored plan that suits your needs.

Together, you'll agree on a plan that fits your lifestyle rather than following a strict diet that may be difficult to maintain. This may include practical changes to what and when you eat, guidance on portion sizes, or specific dietary advice for your condition. At follow-up appointments, your dietitian can review your progress, answer questions and adjust your plan as your needs change.

Dietetics and nutrition at Mediclinic

Our dietitians work across our sites in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, supporting people during hospital stays and in outpatient clinics as part of the wider treatment team. They support people with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, and cancer, helping them eat in a way that supports their treatment and wellbeing.

Care starts with a nutrition assessment and a personalised eating plan based on your condition, needs, and goals. Our dietitians also support weight management, including before and after weight-loss surgery, provide therapeutic diets, and manage tube feeding for people who cannot eat normally. Nutrition support is also available for children during pregnancy.

For people undergoing cancer treatment, dietitians can help manage nutrition-related challenges, maintain strength, and support recovery. For those with gastrointestinal conditions, advice may focus on managing symptoms, improving food tolerance, and supporting digestive health. Plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as your needs change.