Childhood obesity in the UK is not declining. Rates among schoolchildren are now the highest outside the pandemic period, despite years of policy action. At the same time, growing research into GLP-1 therapies for young people is reshaping the conversation around treatment. 

In this episode, we explore whether pharmacological innovation represents real progress for children with severe obesity, or whether it risks diverting attention from the environmental and commercial drivers at the heart of the issue. We examine the evidence, the ethics, and what a genuinely whole-systems approach could look like. 

Joining me is Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist Amelia Lake and Paediatric Dietitian Grace Allmark, bringing clinical and prevention perspectives to one of the most pressing debates in child health today. 

Amelia Lake is a Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist, and Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Teesside University where she is involved in the training of dietetic students. She is Deputy Director of Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, and an executive of Nutrition North, a coalition of nutrition scientists and practitioners across the North of England. Amelia also sits on the British Nutrition Foundation Scientific Committee and serves on the editorial boards of Nutrition Bulletin and Cities & Health. 

Alongside her work, Amelia runs The David Ashwell Foundation in memory of her eldest son David, and is a parent to two school-age children. 

Grace Allmark is a Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Winchester. Alongside her academic role, she’s also mum to her two-year-old son. Grace has more than a decade of experience in dietetics, with nearly seven years specialising in paediatrics, including diabetes and neonatal care. She has published research in academic journals across both adult and paediatric nutrition and is also a contributor to a well-known nutrition magazine. 

Show Notes 

Amelia’s LinkedIn: Amelia A Lake | LinkedIn 

Grace’s LinkedIn: Grace Allmark MSc, RD | LinkedIn 

Department of Health and Social Care Survey: Applying the new NPM to advertising and promotions restrictions - GOV.UK 

Expert witness work sits at the intersection of clinical care and the legal system. When care is called into question, dietitians may play a key role in understanding what happened, why, and/or what support is needed moving forward. 

 In this episode, we explore the role of the expert witness dietitian, from reviewing complex cases to presenting clear, objective nutrition evidence to the court. 

Joining Kate today is Rebecca McManamon, Consultant Dietitian and Expert Witness, who shares insights from her work across clinical negligence and personal injury cases, and offers practical reassurance for clinicians navigating this often misunderstood space. 

Rebecca McManamon is an experienced dietitian with a background spanning NHS and private practice, across both community and inpatient settings. Her work has covered a broad range of specialities, including diabetes, oncology, weight management and nutrition support. 

Since 2014, she has delivered private dietetic services specialising in neurological conditions, alongside her work as an editor, writer, and honorary lecturer on the University of Hull’s dietetics programme. 

Rebecca is also an established dietetic expert witness, with over eight years’ experience producing multiple reports each month to the courts. She has completed expert witness training with Bond Solon which she is now using in preparation for accreditation from the University of Aberdeen. 

Show Notes 

Rebecca’s LinkedIn: Rebecca McManamon | LinkedIn 

Medicolegal Dietetic Reports | MEWS Expert Witness Services 

Nutrition in the Army is about making science practical in some of the most challenging conditions. Whether soldiers are training, on deployment, or operating far from everyday conveniences, dietitians and nutritionists help ensure they are fuelled, supported in recovery, and able to maintain health, performance, and resilience under pressure. 

In this episode, we explore the role of an applied nutritionist in the British Army, from shaping menus and rations to advising on supplementation and translating nutrition science into practical guidance for soldiers. 

Joining me today is Dr Shaun Chapman. Shaun is a Registered Nutritionist with the British Army, where he’s spent nearly a decade supporting the health and performance of military personnel. He 

holds a PhD in Health and Exercise Nutrition and has published extensively in the field, including scientific papers and book chapters. 

Alongside his applied work, Shaun lectures in sports nutrition across a number of UK universities. Before working with the Army, he built experience across the fitness industry, professional football, and the NHS, giving him a broad and practical perspective on nutrition in both performance and clinical settings.

Show Notes 

• Shaun’s LinkedIn: Dr Shaun Chapman PhD RNutr | LinkedIn 

• Pre-sleep protein supplementation does not improve performance, body composition, and recovery in British Army recruits (part 1) 

• Pre-sleep protein supplementation does not improve recovery from load carriage in British Army recruits (part 2) 

For years, messages about sugar reduction and sweeteners have fuelled confusion among both the public and healthcare professionals. From safety headlines to bold claims about benefits, dietitians and nutritionists have had to cut through the noise to provide credible, balanced advice. In response, the British Dietetic Association, in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation and Diabetes UK, has published a joint, evidence-based position statement on low- or no-calorie sweeteners, outlining what we know, what remains uncertain, and how clinicians can guide clients while balancing safety, tolerance, and real-world dietary choices. 

In this episode, we unpack the statement in depth, exploring the context of UK sugar reformulation and “enforced consumption”, alongside emerging research on individual and combined sweetener effects. We’re joined by Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and contributor to the statement, and 

Gabrielle Morse, an advanced dietitian specialising in neurogastroenterology, who brings a gut-focused lens. Together, they examine the evidence, navigate the nuances, and translate the science into practical advice for everyday dietetic practice. 

Dr Duane Mellor is a paediatric diabetes dietitian based in Leicestershire with over 25 years’ experience in diabetes care. He began in the NHS supporting adults with diabetes before moving into research and academia. An experienced diabetes educator, Duane regularly shares his expertise through television, radio, national guidelines, over 100 research papers, and several textbooks. He’s been named BDA Spokesperson of the Year and is one of the editors of the upcoming 7th Edition of the Manual of Dietetic Practice. 

Gabrielle Morse is a specialist neurogastroenterology dietitian with experience across a range of gastroenterology conditions, alongside interests in women’s health, lipids, and metabolic health. She specialises in digestive issues linked to changes in communication between the gut-brain axis. Gabrielle is a BDA Workplace Ready dietitian and delivers workplace wellbeing workshops, providing evidence-based nutritional advice to the wider public. She has been featured in national media including the Sunday Telegraph. Gabrielle has worked at a world-leading hospital in London, is a guest lecturer at King’s College London, and regularly provides nutrition training to doctors, GPs, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals. 

Show Notes 

Gabrielle’s LinkedIn: Gabrielle Morse | LinkedIn 

Duane’s LinkedIn: Duane Mellor | LinkedIn 

Creatine has long been associated with gym culture, but it’s now trending far beyond strength training, appearing across social media, women’s health spaces, and everyday wellness conversations. 

Despite its popularity, the evidence is often misrepresented or overhyped, particularly around muscle gain, cognitive benefits, and mood, leaving both the public and clinicians to navigate a lot of mixed messages.

In this episode, we explore where creatine is strongly supported by evidence, where claims remain uncertain, and how dietitians can provide clear, practical guidance.
Joining me today is Dr Linia Patel, registered dietitian specialising in women’s health and population nutrition, and Nigel Mitchell, registered dietitian and performance nutrition specialist, who bring their distinct perspectives to this evidence-led discussion on creatine and responsible supplementation.
Linia Patel is an award-winning Women’s Health Dietitian, Performance Nutritionist, and Public Health Researcher with over 20 years of experience spanning sports nutrition, clinical practice, corporate wellness and public health. Author of the best-selling book Food for Menopause and new book Life After Weight loss Medications Linia has worked across diverse settings—from highperformance sport to NHS-commissioned weight management services—translating science into practical strategies that improve wellbeing and long-term health outcomes.
Nigel Mitchell is a Dietitian who has worked in clinical and elite sport nutrition for over 30 years. 
Across his career, he has supported more than 30 Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champion athletes, triathletes, and Tour de France champions. He led the nutrition strategy for Team Sky in 2009 and provided nutritional support during Bradley Wiggins’ 2012 Tour de France win, as well as supporting British Cycling at the London 2012 Olympics and athletes at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. He currently holds an academic position at Leeds Beckett University, a visiting position at Arizona State University, and serves as Clinical and Technical Lead for the UK Sports Institute, as well as Head of Nutrition for British Athletics and the British Sailing Team.

Show Notes
Linia’s LinkedIn : Dr Linia Patel (PhD) | LinkedIn

Pet nutrition is booming. From fresh subscriptions to wellness-driven brands, owners are investing more than ever in what goes into their pets’ bowls, but with that growth comes confusion, clever marketing, and plenty of science to sniff through. 

In this episode, we unpack what truly matters when it comes to feeding pets well, from understanding “complete and balanced” diets to navigating trends, treats, fussy eaters, and life stage nutrition. 

Joining me today is Zoe Russell, Nutrition Officer at The Skinner’s Group, who shares practical insights on evidence, regulation, misinformation, and where the future of pet nutrition is heading. 

Zoe Russell is a Registered Associate Nutritionist with a First-Class degree in Animal Biology. As a Nutrition Officer at The Skinner’s Group, she provides nutrition consultations, ensures legislative compliance, produces technical content, and supports product and packaging development. She represents the company at industry events and shows, and with experience across a range of animal husbandry roles, she brings a broad understanding of animal nutrition. 

Show Notes 

Zoe’s LinkedIn: Zoe Russell | LinkedIn 

 In this episode, we explore why sleep is so undervalued in nutrition, how poor sleep influences what we eat, and what dietitians and nutritionists can do in practice to better support their clients. 

Joining me today is Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of The Art of Sleeping, who introduces his BED framework - Behaviour, Environment and Diet, and explains how sleep, food, and lifestyle can work together to support overall health. 

Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist with a degree in nutrition and master’s degrees in public health and sports nutrition. He’s a Sunday Times bestselling author of five books, including Unprocess Your Life and The Low Appetite Cookbook. With over 20 years’ experience spanning public health, private practice, and brand work, Rob writes extensively across the media and regularly appears on TV, radio, and podcasts as a trusted health expert. 

Show Notes 

Rob’s LinkedIn: Robert Hobson | LinkedIn 

Rob’s Instagram: Rob Hobson nutritionist RNutr SENR (@robhobsonnutritionist) • Instagram photos and videos 

Rob’s Website: Rob Hobson Nutritionist 

For decades, public health campaigns have tried to get both children and adults to eat more vegetables, often with little success. Traditional messaging like “five-a-day” has struggled to inspire behaviour change, leaving dietitians, parents, and educators searching for approaches that actually resonate. 

Veg Power has taken a different path. Through playful, story-led campaigns, creative advertising, and cross-sector partnerships, they’ve transformed the way the nation thinks about healthy eating. By pretending veg are evil, making children the heroes, and building national campaigns that reach classrooms, homes, and retailers, Veg Power has shown that healthy eating can be fun, culturally relevant, and genuinely behaviour-changing.

In this episode, we delve into what makes Veg Power’s campaigns so effective. From the bold creativity behind Eat Them to Defeat Them to the nationwide push to get beans back into everyday meals with Bang in Some Beans, we share insights, strategies, and collaborative approaches that are changing the way the UK eats. 

Joining me today is Rebecca Stevens from Veg Power, who is committed to helping the nation eat better through creative healthy eating campaigns. Rebecca offers insight into what truly shifts behaviour, how we can make healthy eating fun again, and where nutrition professionals can play a meaningful part in that change. 

Rebecca Stevens is a registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition and holds an MSc in Human Nutrition from St Mary’s University. Before returning to university, she spent over a decade working in healthcare PR. In her Communications & Campaigns role at Veg Power, Rebecca enjoys bringing together her expertise in nutrition and communications and is always on a mission to expand her family’s vegetable repertoire.  

Show Notes 

Veg Power Newsletter Sign Up: newsletter-signup - Veg Power 

Veg Power LinkedIn: Veg Power CIC: Posts | LinkedIn 

Veg Power Instagram: Simply Veg @ Veg Power (@vegpoweruk) • Instagram photos and videos 

Bang in Some Beans Campaign: Boosting Beans - Veg Power 

Eat Them to Defeat Them Campaign: Home - Eat Them To Defeat Them 

National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2019 - 2023: National Diet and Nutrition Survey - GOV.UK 

For millions of people across the UK, working outside the traditional 9-to-5 is simply part of life. From nurses and doctors to delivery drivers, factory workers, construction workers and police officers, shift work means eating, moving, and resting against the body’s natural rhythm, often with consequences 
for health, wellbeing, and performance.
As dietitians and healthcare professionals, we’re in a unique position to support these patients, helping them navigate the challenges of irregular schedules, make practical nutrition choices, and maintain balance despite working against the clock.

In this episode, we’re exploring the physiological and nutritional challenges of shift work, from metabolic and gut health impacts to practical strategies for meal timing, employer support, and longterm wellbeing.
Joining me today are two guests committed to helping shift workers thrive, offering clear, practical advice on how to eat, recover, and maintain health whilst navigating the nutritional challenges of working outside the 9-to-5. 
Clémence Cleave is an award-winning Registered Nutritionist, author, trained chef, visiting lecturer, and founder of Rocket Fuel Wellbeing – the corporate nutrition consultancy for healthy people and healthy growth. Clem specialises in workplace wellbeing, gut health, women’s health, and longevity, and delivers trusted, practical guidance that drives lasting change for individuals and organisations.
Andy Picken is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health with 19 years’ experience in public health and workplace health and wellbeing. Based in Manchester, Andy works for the HSQE Partnership across multiple sectors and currently serves as Head of Health and Wellbeing within the rail and construction sector, where shift work is an integral part of the operational cycle. Andy’s professional passion lies in lifestyle and preventative medicine, particularly in addressing the challenges of applying these approaches within shift-working environments.

Show Notes:

Clem Cleave:
Website: Home | Rocket Fuel Wellbeing | Nutrition & Workplace Wellbeing Services
Instagram: CLEM CLEAVE | Nutritionist RNutr | Rocket Fuel Wellbeing (@clemcleavenutrition) •
LinkedIn: Clemence Cleave RNutr, FRSPH | LinkedIn

Andy Picken:
Website: Our Team - HSQE Partnership
LinkedIn: Andy James Picken FRSPH | LinkedIn

For many families, mealtimes can feel far from peaceful. Between juggling busy schedules, food preferences, sensory sensitivities, and the constant noise of “shoulds” from social media and parenting advice, it’s easy for stress to replace enjoyment. 

As dietitians, we’re often the ones supporting parents through that experience, helping them navigate the balance between nutrition, nurture, and realistic expectations.

In this episode, we’re exploring what’s really going on at the dinner table, from picky eating and food neophobia to evolving feeding advice and the guilt that can so easily come with it all.

Joining us is Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, Dr Kirsty Porter. Kirsty has over 15 years’ experience working with families across the NHS and private practice, helping them build more positive, confident and calm relationships with food. She was named Paediatric Nutritional Professional of the Year and Social Media Personality of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards, recognising not just her clinical expertise, but the impact of her reassurance, practicality and voice in this space.

Show Notes

Facebook: Nutrition4kids Children's Dietitian Instagram: @nutrition4kidsni

Website: www.nutrition4kidsni.com

2025 alone has seen a wave of food launches designed to make a statement. At one end of the spectrum are products wrapped in a health halo - clean labels, minimalist ingredients, wellness claims. At the other, unapologetically indulgent creations that celebrate excess and nostalgia. Both command attention, but together they highlight just how blurred the lines around healthy eating have become. 

In today’s episode, we’re exploring what these extremes say about modern food culture, how they shape public perception, and whether they bring us closer to balance, or pull us further apart. 

Joining me are two guests dedicated to cutting through nutrition confusion and helping people find a more balanced, confident approach to eating. 

Sophie Gastman is a Registered Nutritionist, speaker, and soon-to-be author with a passion for translating complex nutrition science into simple, balanced, and enjoyable advice. Her work spans public health, education, and digital communications – supporting families, schools, and a community of over 140,000 followers to eat well without myths, rules, or guilt. 

Jemma Joel is a Registered Nutritionist, coach, mentor and TEDx speaker with a background in psychology, specialising in public health and behaviour change. She coaches clients to improve their health and relationship with food, and mentors' fellow nutrition professionals to integrate behaviour-change techniques into their practice. 

Together, we’ll unpack how “health halos” and hyper-indulgent products influence our relationship with food and explore the role nutrition professionals can play in helping people find genuine balance. 

Show Notes 

Sophie Gastman 

Instagram: @sophiethenutritionist TikTok: @sophiethenutritionist 

Jemma Joel 

Instagram: @lifewithjemmajoel