physical therapyVerified Medical Guide

Who is a Dietitian?

A dietitian is a trained health professional who helps you eat the right foods to stay healthy, manage a long-term condition, or recover from illness. They give personalised advice on what to eat and drink based on your health needs, age, and lifestyle. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or you are struggling with your weight, a dietitian can create a practical eating plan that works for you.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Dietitian

Assesses your current diet and nutritional status
Creates personalised meal plans based on your health condition
Helps manage long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease through food
Advises on healthy weight loss or weight gain in a safe way
Supports pregnant and breastfeeding women with proper nutrition
Guides parents on feeding babies, toddlers, and children well
Works with patients recovering from surgery or serious illness to rebuild strength
Educates patients and families on reading food labels and making healthier food choices

When to See a Dietitian

You should consider booking an consultation if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:

  • You have been diagnosed with diabetes and need help with your diet
  • You have high blood pressure and want to know what foods to avoid
  • You have kidney disease and need a special eating plan
  • You are overweight or underweight and want safe, practical guidance
  • Your child is not growing well or is a very picky eater
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to eat well for you and your baby
  • You have been told your cholesterol is too high
  • You have a digestive problem such as constant bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation
  • You are recovering from surgery or a serious illness and need to regain strength
  • You feel tired all the time and think your diet may be the cause

Conditions & Visit Reasons

Select a specific condition to learn more or search for specialists offering directed therapy plans:

Types of Dietitian Specialists

Clinical Dietetics

Focuses on managing medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease through targeted nutrition therapy.

Paediatric Dietetics

Specialises in the nutritional needs of infants, children, and teenagers, including managing malnutrition and growth problems.

Renal (Kidney) Dietetics

Provides specialised dietary guidance for patients with chronic kidney disease or those on dialysis.

Oncology Dietetics

Supports cancer patients with nutrition plans to maintain strength and manage side effects of treatment.

Sports and Performance Nutrition

Advises athletes and active individuals on eating for peak performance, recovery, and injury prevention.

Community and Public Health Nutrition

Works with communities and public health programmes to address widespread issues like malnutrition and obesity.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At your first visit, the dietitian will ask about what you normally eat, your daily routine, any health conditions you have, and your goals. They may also review any test results or medical records your doctor has shared. By the end of the appointment, you will leave with a clear, practical eating plan that fits your life — there is nothing to be nervous about.

Training & Education Credentials

A dietitian holds a university degree in Dietetics or Nutrition and Dietetics, followed by supervised clinical training. In Ghana, practising dietitians are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), which ensures they meet national standards of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to see a dietitian in Ghana?

The cost of seeing a dietitian in Ghana varies depending on whether you visit a government hospital, private clinic, or a specialist centre. At public hospitals, fees are generally lower and may be partly covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). It is best to call ahead and ask about consultation fees before your visit.

What should I bring to my first dietitian appointment?

Bring your NHIS card, any recent blood test results or medical reports, and a list of any medicines or supplements you are taking. It also helps to write down what you typically eat in a day so the dietitian can get a clear picture of your current diet.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a dietitian?

In most cases, you do not need a referral — you can book an appointment with a dietitian directly. However, if you are managing a serious medical condition like kidney disease or cancer, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian as part of your overall care plan.

When should I seek urgent help instead of waiting for a dietitian appointment?

If you or your child is severely malnourished, losing weight very rapidly, unable to eat or drink, or showing signs of extreme weakness, go to the nearest hospital emergency unit right away. A dietitian appointment is for ongoing nutritional support, not for emergencies.

Can a dietitian help me if I have diabetes and eat mostly local Ghanaian foods?

Yes, absolutely. A good dietitian will work with the foods you already eat and enjoy, including local staples like banku, kenkey, yam, and plantain. They will help you understand which foods to eat more of, which to reduce, and how to prepare meals in a way that keeps your blood sugar under control.

Book a Dietitian

Find verified board-certified Dietitians on DrDoGood. Compare reviews, check real-time availability, and schedule your appointment online.

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Verified Board Certified

All practitioners on DrDoGood are thoroughly vetted for credentials, licensing, and patient satisfaction histories.

Dietitian
Accepting Patients

Dr. Dietitian Andrews

Dietitian

I am a Registered & Licensed Dietitian in Ghana with over 8years of experience. Main focus in managing chronic diseases with Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Pamella
Accepting Patients

Dr. Pamella Osei

Dietitian

A Licensed Dietitian, Researcher and Wellness Enthusiast

Joseph
Accepting Patients

Dr. Joseph Danquah

Dietitian

A clinical dietitian with 7 years of experience. My expertise is in the dietary management of Non-Communicable Diseases and I have special interest in the integration of nutritional interventions into population health models to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

LK
Accepting Patients

Dr. Lawrencia Koomson

Dietitian

Dedicated practitioner offering comprehensive medical consultations and personalized care plans.

Esther
Accepting Patients

Dr. Esther Nketsiah

Dietitian

I am a self motivated Dietitian with over 3 years experience in clinical and research setting. I have skills in evaluating and assessing the nutritional needs of children and adults. I am also proficient in meal planning and using the nutrition care process to provide consultative engagement to patients with nutrition related condition. As a Clinical Dietitian, I pride in my ability to help my patients attain optimal nutrition and health irrespective of their clinical history.

Samuella
Accepting Patients

Dr. Samuella Kwapong

Dietitian

Samuella Kwapong, RD Clinical Dietitian I provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to support prevention, treatment, and management of health conditions. Through comprehensive nutrition assessment, individualized care planning, and continuous monitoring, I help patients achieve improved health outcomes and sustainable lifestyle changes. My approach combines clinical expertise with practical, culturally appropriate nutrition strategies that make healthy eating realistic and achievable.

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