IBS and Diet: Seeing a Dietitian in the UK

The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have had symptoms such as tummy pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation for more than a few weeks, and getting checked urgently for warning signs such as unexplained weight loss or bleeding from your bottom. A doctor should rule out other conditions before you start a restrictive diet.

• Dietitians assess your diet and symptoms and can guide you through approaches such as the low FODMAP diet, which NICE says should only be followed with advice from a healthcare professional with expertise in dietary management. A dietitian helps you reintroduce foods so your diet does not stay more restricted than it needs to be.
• Psychologists and CBT therapists: NICE guidance says psychological therapies, such as CBT or hypnotherapy, can be considered for IBS that has not improved with other treatment. Stress and anxiety can affect gut symptoms for some people.

Nutritionist is not a protected title, which is why many people choose a dietitian for a medical condition like IBS. See dietitian or nutritionist?

Before you book, look the practitioner up yourself on the official register. Psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and arts therapists must be on the HCPC register to use those titles. Counsellors and psychotherapists are usually on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP, UKCP, BPC or NCPS. Psychiatrists are doctors on the GMC register. Our guide to checking a register shows how. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner’s register and number is shown on their profile so you can check it too.

A GP can refer you to an NHS dietitian; waiting times vary by area. Some areas offer group IBS education sessions. The IBS Network charity closed in 2025; Guts UK, the national charity for the digestive system, took on some of its services and has free information about IBS.

Private dietitians usually charge for a first consultation and shorter follow-ups, in person or online; ask for fees up front. Some health insurance covers dietetics. Ask whether they have experience with IBS and the low FODMAP diet, how they will plan the reintroduction stage, and how they would support you if eating has become stressful. If you have, or think you may have, an eating disorder, tell them, and see our eating disorder guide.

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