NUTRITION SERVICES
The mission of nutrition services of the University Health Center is to provide nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy for the University of Georgia student community. Nutrition services provides reliable and evidence based nutrition information to guide students in achieving a balanced, healthy approach to dietary and eating issues. This is accomplished by giving students access to practical nutrition information in a variety of formats as well as advocating for a healthy food and eating issues environment both within and outside of the University Health Center.
Individual nutrition counseling and other nutrition services outlined below are offered by UHC registered dietitians. A written or electronic referral from either the Health Center, your primary care provider or therapist is required to make an appointment for individual nutrition counseling. For information on obtaining referrals, fees, or to make an appointment, please call 706-542-8816. Demand for nutrition counseling varies throughout the semester. Please call for availability.
Using a holistic approach to nutrition and health, registered dietitians at the University Health Center provide knowledge and practical skills according to each client’s individual needs and preferences to help them reach their health and wellness goals. Counseling sessions may either be done in-person or virtually.
Common topics that can be addressed in nutrition counseling:
- General health and wellness, including heart health, vegetarian and vegan diets, and fueling for physical activity and sports
- Eating disorders and disordered eating
- Medical nutrition therapy for diagnosed conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and PCOS
- Food allergies and intolerances
- GI health, such as IBS, IBD, and Celiac disease
- Weight or appetite concerns
Insurance is filed for counseling appointments as applicable.
The following out-of-pocket amounts would be the most you would be responsible for per visit:
Initial visit: $40-50 (fees paid), $120-150 (non fees paid)
Follow-up visit (30-45 minutes): $20-30 (fees paid), $50-60 (non fees paid)
Nutrition Kitchen Cooking Class: $5 (fees paid), $10 (non fees paid) *Cancellations not made within 24 hours will incur a no show fee for the price of the class.
If necessary, cancel or reschedule your appointment by 24 hours on the preceding business day to avoid a $30 missed-appointment charge.
In the Nutrition Kitchen, a UHC Registered Dietitian teaches students how to choose budget-friendly, healthy food ingredients and prepare them into delicious, easy meals. Students get the opportunity to practice healthy cooking techniques, and afterwards enjoy the meal prepared in class. Class size is limited to 12 students and the cost is $5.00 per student ($10 for non fees paid). Please call 706-543-8690 to sign up, or go to www.healthpromotion.uga.edu/nutrition/kitchen/ for more information.
If you are unable to attend the cooking class you registered for please call 706-542-8690 at least 24 hours in advance to cancel to avoid being charged for the cooking class.
University Health Center provides a variety of services for students with eating and body image issues, including an evaluation, short-term individual therapy, nutritional counseling, medical evaluation, referral to community providers, and/or other services as appropriate. These services are provided by a multi-disciplinary eating disorders treatment team. There are fees for some services.
For information about individual therapy, please call 706-542-2273 or check the CAPS website.
A medical referral is required for nutrition counseling. For information on obtaining a referral for nutrition counseling, fees for services, or to make an appointment, please call 706-542-8816.
Registered dietitians or registered dietitian nutritionists (RD/ RDN) are legally protected, just like registered nurses and medical doctors. Anyone can call themselves as a nutritionist (people on social media, your friend/ coworker, parent, etc.,) but unlike most self-proclaimed nutritionist, dietitians must obtain a Bachelor’s or Masters related in nutrition, complete a dietetic internship, pass the registered dietitian exam to earn the title that allows them to practice in their field. RDs also must complete continuous education programs and session to maintain their credentials. Most states, including Georgia, require dietitians to be licensed if they provide nutrition counseling. When seeking nutrition services, always verify the provider is a registered dietitian (or registered dietitian nutritionist) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is licensed in the state they are practicing.
Visit dining.uga.edu to learn about nutrition services offered to students on the meal plan. You can contact the Dining Services dietitian, Katherine Ingerson, RD, LD at (706) 424-6773 or by emailing dining-nutrition@uga.edu.
Peer Nutrition Educators are upper level nutrition and dietetics students who work with the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in UHC Health Promotion and Dining Services to offer fun, interactive, and informative programs to any interested student group.
Popular topics include eating well in college, how to eat a nutritious diet on a budget, meal planning, eating in the dining hall, and more.
To request a program with the Peer Nutrition Educators, please submit the program request form or email pneadvisement@gmail.com.
The Peer Nutrition Educators are advised by Anthony Chiu of UHC Health Promotion and Katherine Ingerson of Dining Services.