Choosing well
Nutritionist in Bicester or nutrition club?
Looking for a nutritionist in Bicester, north-east of Oxford, to lose weight or eat better? A dietitian, a nutritionist and a nutrition club each have their own role. Here is who does what, when to see your GP first, and what the club offers.
At a glance
Dietitian, nutritionist or nutrition club, who does what
| Dietitian | Nutritionist | Nutrition club | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who they are | A health professional, registered with the HCPC. | A title not protected by law. Registered Nutritionists are on a voluntary register and hold at least a degree in nutrition science. | A place where a coach trained in nutrition supports you, alongside other members. |
| What they do | Assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems, including medical conditions. | General advice on food and health, depending on their training. | Help to balance your meals and keep track of your habits, with no diagnosis. |
| How often | A few appointments, spread over several weeks. | A few appointments, spread over several weeks. | Every day, with breakfast at the club in the morning. |
| Cost | Free on the NHS, usually through your GP practice. Some areas let you refer yourself. Private appointments are paid. | Usually paid privately. | A free assessment. The price of the programme is explained at the assessment, with no obligation. |
| Who it suits | An illness, an allergy or a pregnancy that calls for a special diet. | Wanting general advice on eating well. | Changing your habits, in good health, with friendly company. |
When to see your GP first
- A long-term condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease.
- Medication for diabetes, a blood thinner such as warfarin, a weight loss injection, or any medicine that affects your appetite or your weight.
- Being underweight, with a BMI below 18.5.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- An eating disorder, or a relationship with food that causes you distress.
- Weight or eating worries in a child or a teenager.
- A food allergy, coeliac disease or another condition that needs a special diet, or stomach or weight loss surgery.
- Cancer, or treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Losing or gaining weight without trying, or a loss of appetite, especially after 60.
In these cases, see your GP. They can refer you to an NHS dietitian if needed. The club can come afterwards, alongside your care, once you have talked it over with them.
Dietitian or nutritionist, what the law says
Dietitian is a title protected by law. Only professionals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, the HCPC, may use it. Nutritionist is not a protected title. The Association for Nutrition keeps a voluntary register of Registered Nutritionists.
At the club, the coaches are trained in nutrition. They are neither doctors nor dietitians, and never present themselves as such.
What the club adds
It all starts with the free assessment at the club. The daily support is described on the programme page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the club a substitute for a nutritionist?
How can I check who I am seeing?
Can I join the club while seeing my doctor?
Should I see a nutritionist or join a nutrition club?
The club in Bicester
106 Churchill Road
First Floor
Bicester OX26 4XD, directions in a new tab, north-east of Oxford
Members come from Bicester and from the villages and towns around it, Caversfield, Launton, Ambrosden, Stratton Audley, Bucknell, Blackthorn, Chesterton, Marsh Gibbon, Merton, Middleton Stoney, Arncott, Weston-on-the-Green, Kirtlington, Upper Heyford, Kidlington and Oxford.
Opening hours
Monday, from 6:30am to 11am
Wednesday to Friday, from 6:30am to 11am
Saturday, from 7:30am to 11am
Closed on Tuesday and Sunday
Free assessment
Book your free assessment
The club phones you back whenever is easiest, over lunch, in the afternoon, or once evening comes.
Your free assessment
- No obligation
- With a personal coach
- At the club in Bicester, First Floor