The vital role of dietitians in mental health care
For many people, dietitians are associated with weight loss advice or meal planning. But in mental health settings, their role is far broader.
During Dietitians Week (1-5 June), we’re shining a light on the contribution dietitians make within mental health services, where nutrition is not just about physical health, but an important part of recovery and quality of life.
Working as a dietitian in a mental health setting requires a different approach from traditional physical healthcare environments.
"It’s much more holistic,” explains Helen, who is a specialist mental health dietitian working on our acute mental health wards. “You’re still assessing nutritional needs and creating plans, but everything is adapted to the person’s mental health needs, their level of understanding, and how they’re able to engage.”
Why nutrition matters for mental health
“When someone isn’t eating a balanced diet, it can significantly affect their mood, overall mental wellbeing and recovery,” Helen explains. “Equally, deficiencies in key nutrients can impact both physical and mental wellbeing.”
For many people, a decline in mental health can lead to poor nutrition – skipped meals, weight loss, or difficulty maintaining a routine. Supporting individuals to rebuild a regular eating pattern and achieve a healthy weight can be a key step in their recovery journey.
But it’s not just about physical outcomes. “Food is also about quality of life. It’s social, it’s enjoyable. Helping someone get back to enjoying food again, including the social aspects of eating and drinking, is also really important for wellbeing.”
Helen and her team support patients with a wide range of needs. This includes individuals with eating difficulties or illness leading to risk of malnutrition, those with long-term conditions such as diabetes or coeliac disease, and people experiencing weight gain linked to medications like antipsychotics.
For some patients, their mental health condition can directly affect their relationship with food.
“For example, someone with schizophrenia may have concerns about food being contaminated,” Helen explains. “We might offer sealed meals or work with family members to bring in food from home – whatever helps that person feel safe.”
“It’s very person-centred. You’re thinking about what will help that individual most, and supporting them to make their own choices where possible.”
The role of dietitians extends beyond patient care, with education forming an important part of their work.
We also work to support ward staff by developing resources and training – helping them understand how to manage nutrition, recognise malnutrition, and support patients day-to-day,” Helen explains. “We are a small team, so building that knowledge across Trust staff is really important.”
Tackling health inequalities
People with severe mental illness often experience significant physical health inequalities, including higher rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Some medications increase appetite and lead to weight gain, which can then increase the risk of long-term conditions,” Helen says. “We support people to manage their weight and reduce those risks.”
At the same time, dietitians work with patients who have lost weight due to illness, helping them achieve an adequate diet to support physical and mental wellbeing.
“I think people often assume we just help people lose weight,” Helen says. “But there’s so much more that we do. In mental health especially, it’s about addressing nutrition related health needs and supporting recovery in a holistic way.”
A message for Dietitians Week
While dietitians support patients, their advice is just as relevant to everyone.
Helen’s message is: “Enjoy your food, aim for a healthy, balanced diet, and try not to restrict foods unnecessarily. Aim for balance, regular meals, and including plenty of fruit and vegetables!”
Find out more about the role of mental health dietitians on the British Dietetic Association website.
