Team Categories: Advisory Board
Board
Management
Charlotte (Lottie) Strange BSc
Educational Coordinator
Charlotte (Lottie) Strange is a final year medical student at University of Glasgow and has worked part-time with Nutritank CIC for 2 years alongside her studies. She first got involved with Nutritank as part of the Universities Societies and her passion for nutrition and lifestyle medicine grew from there. Her role at Nutritank is Educational Coordinator which involves planning and coordinating the weekly MedEd Monday webinars. Lottie helped to organise the first medical student conference on eating disorders in February 2023 with Dr Ally Jaffee, Dr Chucks and the Nutritank team. Her hobbies included running, reading, cooking and yoga. She has recently just completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in the hope of promoting yoga to her future patients. She has a BSc in Science from University of St Andrews.
Dr Jessica Frost
Head of engagement of Drs in GP training
After graduating from Birmingham Medical School in 2019, I moved to Oxford where I now practice as a junior doctor and am currently part way through my GP training. I strongly believe medicine should be a holistic practice, and am passionate about educating others regarding the positive impact even small lifestyle changes can have on both mental and physical wellbeing. As well as being a lifestyle medicine enthusiast, I also work regularly at my local hospice, and have an extended interest in Women’s Health, for which I have completed further training to achieve my Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Diploma (D-FSRH). In my spare time, I am a keen yogi, aspiring author and have a black belt in karate.
Luke Zollman Thomas
Podcast Host
mail_outline [email protected]
room Newcastle
Advisory Board
Professor Clare Wall RD, BSc, PhD
Advisory Board Member
Professor Clare Wall is the Head of Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Associate Dean Curriculum for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Clare has over 4 decades of expertise in practice and education. Clare has had a major role in the leadership and development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Nutrition and Dietetics. Clare also developed the nutrition curriculum within the Medical programme and contributes expertise across clinical disciplines including Nursing and Pharmacy. Clare is a NZ Registered Dietitian and a member of the Council of Deans of Nutrition and Dietetics, Australia and New Zealand. Clare’s main research focus is how early-life nutritional determinants shape long-term health outcomes.
Amaeze Madukah MSc RNutr PhD candidate
Advisory Board Member
Amaeze is a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with a Masters in Clinical nutrition and is currently undertaking her PhD. She is the founder of the nutrition consultancy Life’s Recipe and co-founder of The Diverse Nutrition Association. Amaeze has a special interest in cultural nutrition and works with individuals, groups and organisations to cultivate healthy relationships with food and health equity.
Aisling Piggott RD, BSc, MSc, PhD candidate
Advisory Board Member
Aisling Pigott is a Registered Dietitian (RD), Senior Lecturer in Interprofessional Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and a Freelance Dietitian with Dietitian Wales. Her clinical interests span paediatrics, diabetes, women’s health, and health promotion. Aisling is also a doctoral researcher at Cardiff Metropolitan University, focusing on the prevention of disordered eating in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
Aisling is dedicated to fostering healthy relationships with food and challenging nutritional misinformation. As an award-winning media spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA), she has been featured on BBC News, Radio Wales, and Channel 5, where she promotes sensible, evidence-based messages about food and nutrition.
Aisling advocates for a research-active healthcare system and encourages dietitians to engage in research. As the Research Officer for the Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Group, she supports members in research activities through study days, mentoring, and development opportunities.
Ines Jabir RD BSc, MPH
Advisory Board Member
Ines Jabir is a specialist Registered Dietitian based in the UK, working internationally to help clients achieve their healthiest selves. With expertise in insulin resistance, fertility, maternal health, sustainable weight loss, and ARFID in children and young people, Ines tailors personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans to meet each client’s unique needs.
She adopts a compassionate, person-centred approach, providing consultations in English, Italian, and Arabic, ensuring culturally sensitive and accessible care. Ines is committed to reducing health inequalities and actively volunteers in underserved communities, promoting health and wellbeing.
Ines holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and is pursuing a Master in Public Health. She is trained in XPERT Diabetes, DAFNE for Type 1 Diabetes, ARFID, and fertility for healthcare professionals. She is a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), the Freelance Specialist Group of the BDA, and is registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Ines also writes articles for Network Health Digest (NHD) and BDA Magazine, sharing her expertise with a broader audience.
Social media handles:
Instagram @mynutritionbalance
TikTok @mynutritionbalance
Kristina Vavura RD
Advisory Board Member
Kristina Vavura is SCOPE-certified and HCPC-Registered Dietitian with a
passion for clinical dietetics and public health. She is also the
Founder of Forever Young Academy which main aim is to educate the
general public about the important role of healthy lifestyle.
Her experience spans acute and community settings, with special
interests in weight management, diabetes (type 1, type 2, gestational),
oncology, longevity, PCOS and health promotion. She is an active member
of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), Parenteral Nutrition
Association (PEN), European Society of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
(ESPEN) as well as the Association for Study of Obesity (ASO) and she
has obtained her SCOPE Certification from the World Obesity Foundation
(obesity, cardiovascular issues and obesity, children with obesity and
eating disorders in obesity management). Currently, she is continuing
her education as a functional medicine practitioner with the Association
of Applied Functional Medicine in the US.
She obtained her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Robert
Gordon University, Scotland, where she gained practical experience as a
Dietetic Intern in NHS Tayside. My internship included consulting on
parenteral and enteral nutrition.
Throughout her career, she has provided personalised dietary advice to
patients managing various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer,
malnutrition, paediatric nutrition pancreatitis, IBS, ulcerative
colitis, fatty liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), food
intolerances, autoimmune diseases, coeliac disease, and patients both
pre- and post-operation.
Central to her practice is the patient-centered approach as well as
behavioural change approach and a commitment to continuous professional
development as she believes this lies in the foundation of proper
patient care.
Derya Hyusein RD BSc, MDiet, CertHE, DipHE
Advisory Board Member
Derya Hyusein is a Registered Dietitian with a profound passion for Clinical Dietetics and a dedication to educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about the vital impact of nutrition. She is also the Founder and CEO of DietitianMED.
Her experience spans acute and community settings, with special interests in weight management, diabetes (type 1, type 2, gestational), oncology, and health promotion. Derya is an active member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and Parenteral Nutrition Association (PEN). She pursued her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Robert Gordon University in Scotland, where she gained practical experience as a Dietetic Intern across several hospitals in Glasgow, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), one of Europe’s largest hospitals.
Throughout her career, Derya has provided personalized dietary advice to patients managing various conditions such as moderate to severe obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, IBS, ulcerative colitis, enteritis, fatty liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), food intolerances, autoimmune diseases, coeliac disease, and patients both pre- and post-operation. Her internships included consulting on parenteral and enteral nutrition for complex neurological, oncological, and surgical cases.
She has received specialized training from NUTRICIA and Abbott Laboratories in parenteral and enteral nutrition. Additionally, she completed LIBRE A5X monitoring training for diabetes patients and EETAS training for those with eating disorders. Derya has also pursued advanced training through the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN).
Currently, she serves as a Health Educator and Clinical Dietetic Lead at Bodystat. In this role, Derya organizes educational teachings focused on healthy eating and health promotion. She delivers tailored educational programs to medical professionals, healthcare providers, the general public, and specific patient groups. As an experienced Registered Dietitian, she has successfully guided numerous clients and patients in improving their health through customized nutrition plans and lifestyle modifications.
Central to her practice is a patient-centered approach and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derilisdietitian/
David Titman BSc, MSc, PGCE, RNutr
Advisory Board Member
David is a Co-Founder and Director of the social enterprise RaisingNutrition that works across all areas of the food system to improve nutritional standards and raise the value that society places on nutrition. Providing a mix of challenge and support, RaisingNutrition continues to generate significant positive change in charitable, commercial and educational settings.
David is a registered nutritionist (RNutr) and food scientist with broad multinational experience in advising the food and food service industries. He takes creative, pragmatic approaches to working with organisations to develop responsible food strategies that are both commercially, socially and environmentally sustainable.
As a regular university lecturer and undergraduate research supervisor, he keeps closely up to date on the latest research in food and nutrition.
He holds a fourth-degree black belt in karate and spends much of his time away from nutrition, practising and teaching martial arts.
Website and social media:
www.raisingnutrition.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raisingnutrition/
Insta: raisingnutrition_for_all
Priya Tew BSc, MSc, RD
Advisory Board Member
Priya Tew is an award winning dietitian and nutritionist.She has a BSc degree in Nutritional Sciences and a Masters in Dietetics. Registered with the Health Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association. Priya is a specialist in eating disorders and offers intensive, expert support to clients with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and disordered eating. She believes in working towards intuitive eating and has a non diet approach. She specializes in IBS and has received training in the low FODMAP diet, making her one of the dietitians trained in FODMAP by MONASH University. Priya is also the author of The complete low FODMAP Diet Plan.
Instagram & Tik Tok: @priya_tew
Dr Charlotte Marriott Consultant Psychiatrist and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician MB BS BSc(Hons) MRCPsych PGCME DipIBLM
Advisory Board Member
Dr Charlotte Marriott is a consultant psychiatrist in the NHS and a certified lifestyle medicine physician. She also has a BSc in neuroscience and postgraduate qualifications in medical education and coaching and mentoring, and is currently undertaking a certificate in public mental health. She combines her knowledge, skills and passion to optimise patient outcomes and create impactful teaching sessions for healthcare professionals and others. She can be found online as @thelifestylepsychiatrist, www.thelifestylepsychiatrist.co.uk
Reena Patel BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (2004)
Advisory Board Member
Reena Patel is an experienced, award winning Practice Nurse at Spinney Hill Medical Centre, Practice Nurse Facilitator LLR ICB, Nurse Rep for RCGP Faculty Board Leicester and Lead Nurse at Dr SKIN Leicester. She is a specialist Nurse in Diabetes and a Diabetes UK committee member. Reena won “Nurse of The Year” at the National 2017 GP Awards. She is also hosts an exceptional podcast,”Back to Bascis”, where she interviews amazing speakers in the health space, and shares her own health and life hacks to help you to embody the ethos of prevention being better than cure. You can access the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WRgWtPeWaYSyaXofqdN5C?si=8e604a6b1f8f407 and connect with her via Instagram: @reena.health
Dr Michael S. Fenster, MD FACC, FSCA&I, FRSM, MIANE, PEMBA
Advisory Board Member
Chef Dr Michael (Mike) Fenster is Adjunct Professor of Culinary Medicine, University of Montana College of Health & UM Medicine Faculty, University of Montana, Missoula College Culinary Arts Program. He is also the Host/Presenter of the PBS Television show “House Calls with Chef Dr. Mike”. Dr Fenster is also a TEDx Speaker.
Chef Dr. Mike is a trailblazer in the field of culinary medicine. By combining his culinary talents with cutting-edge medical expertise and evidence-based insights,he forges an approach to healthy living beyond mere nutrition or fad diets.
Instagram: @RealChefDrMike
FB:(20+) Facebook
X:@ChefDrMike
websites:
www.ChefDrMike.com
www.BridgMed.health
Fareeha Jay Bsc,Msc,RD
Advisory Board Member
Fareeha Jay worked as a Diabetes Specialist in the NHS for 6 years, delivering educational sessions to people newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Fareeha has a specialist interest in South Asian diets and provides specialist advice to South Asians across the globe. She is extremely passionate about providing the best available nutrition advice to the people with South Asian background.
She has expertise in healthy eating and sustainable diets for ethnic minority groups. She is also a dietitian with a high social media profile and uses evidence-based nutrition to support communication messages to the public, again focusing on ethnic minority groups. She is regularly featured in print, broadcast, and social media. Fareeha Jay has a social media following from over 99 countries across the globe. She has built up a following of more than 700,000 over all social media platforms.
She is a guest lecturer at The Plymouth University for undergraduate year 1 and year 2 students. The lectures are mostly focused on ethnic and cultural diets and provision of culturally competent advice in the health care. Have been giving online lectures to medical students on diabetes and eating disorders in Ramadan for Nutritank. Has been delivering CPD accredited webinars to dietitians and healthcare professionals on My Nutriweb. Also she has an experience of delivering a session for pharmacists.
Fareeha has been writing blogs for My Nutriweb, Planet Nourish and Fuchsia, and is a column writer for NHD-Network Health Digest- a magazine for dietitians, nutritionists and healthcare professionals .
She has developed the “South Asian Eatwell Guide”, which is now widely being used in many NHS trusts and various charity organisations.
She recently finished her post-graduate degree in Applied Professional Practice, which involved research work, writing research proposals, report writing and critical thinking.
She is also the Chair of the Freelance committee for the British Dietetic Association which entails organising meetings, record keeping, report of progress and gathering input from the group members and committee members, drafting agendas for the meetings, planning, and then sharing them with the wider dietetic fraternity.
She has designed diabetes programmes including programmes on diabetes prevention.
Social Media handles.
Instagram: Dietitian_Fareeha Jay
Facebook: Aap Ki Dietitian: Fareeha Jay
Tik Tok: Dietitian Fareeha Jay
You Tube: Dietitian Fareeha Jay
Twitter: Fareeha Jay
Dr. Leta Pilic, MPH, RNutr
Advisory Board Member
Leta completed a degree in Nutrition Science at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Health at the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Medical School, Croatia.
After obtaining her master’s degree and working in pharmaceutical industry for two years, Leta moved to the UK and completed a PhD in Nutrition and Genetics at St Mary’s University. She is currently a lecturer on BSc and MSc programmes in Nutrition. Leta is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition.
Leta’s PhD explored the effects of genetics on blood pressure response to salt. Currently, she is exploring the interactions between genetics and diet in context of chronic disease such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
She is supervising number of MSc and PhD projects in the area of nutrigenetics and personalised nutrition.
She is also founder of Optimyse Nutrition, personalised nutrition company providing nutrigenetic testing for clients and education for nutrition practitioners.
Web: www.optimysenutrition.com
Instagram: instagram.com/optimyse_nutrition
Dr Kiran Sodha, MBBS MRCGP MBA, DCH, DipClinEd, DipIBLM
Advisory Board Member
Dr Kiran Sodha is a GP, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Health Coach with a Special Interest in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention & Remission. He is the Founder of Mahi Health supporting patients to reach Diabetic Remission and lowering A1C and also delivers private & NHS clinics. Dr Sodha is the Type 2 Diabetes Special Interest Group Lead for the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and a Speaker on Glucose & Diabetes with Intelligent Health.
https://www.instagram.com/drsodha/ / @drsodha
Professor Sumantra (Shumone) Ray
Advisory Board Member
Professor Sumantra (Shumone) Ray is a Licensed Medical Doctor as well as a Registered Nutritionist (Public Health), with special interests in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Nutrition Education in Health Systems. He is the NNEdPro Founding Chair and Executive Director with
University affiliations at the University of Cambridge, Ulster University, Imperial College London and University of Wollongong.
Most recently Shumone has been cross-appointed in Cambridge as a Director of Research at the
University of Cambridge and Co-Lead for the Food, Nutrition and Education Work Package for the
TIGR2ESS Programme in India (2017-21) led by Cambridge and supported by UK Research and
Innovation’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). Shumone is a Bye-Fellow of Fitzwilliam College at the University of Cambridge, and, additionally, holds a fractional personal chair appointment as
Professor of Global Nutrition, Health and Disease at Ulster University where he is also an Advisory Board Member to the high-impact GCRF Latin American SAFEWATER programme (2017-22). In addition, he has a number of honorary/visiting professorial appointments, including Imperial College London in the UK, and internationally.
Since 2008 Shumone and NNEdPro have pioneered efforts in studying the positioning and implementation of medical nutrition education in higher education and healthcare practice.
Dr Shahnaz Hassan
Advisory Board Member
Dr Shahnaz Hassan is a general adult consultant psychiatrist with a specialist interest in adult ADHD. She is a published researcher in the field of lifestyle medicine. Her practice in psychiatry takes a lifestyle approach aiming to equip people with lifelong personal resources such as regular physical activity, to manage their mental wellbeing. She is a qualified UK athletics coach, setting up & personally volunteering at a community based, weekly mental health support running and walking group (Run talk run & walk talk walk) and volunteers at the first NHS patient swimming group. She designed and delivers wellbeing workshops to health care staff. She lives by what she preaches and is a keen triathlete herself and encourages others to find their passions in life to help them reach their full potential.
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi
Advisory Board Member
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi is a lifestyle doctor and team GB AG long distance triathlete. Movement, community, and nutrition are three cornerstones of his personal and professional life. He has a varied portfolio career across several sectors. These include being the Royal College of GPs lifestyle and physical activity lead, Leamington personalised care lead, as well as a SWIM England clinical advisor. He runs a pioneering NHS based lifestyle clinic and fitness club helping to educate and support patients to eat better, move more and connect with their community. He has a strong focus on health span. Highlighting the lifestyle needed to prepare yourself to be the best 80-year-old. He is a well-respected educator delivering numerous talks and lectures to audiences both professional and public including a regular weekly slot on the channel 4 show Steph’s packed lunch.
Dr Alan Desmond MB, BCh, BMedSc, FRCP.
Advisory Board Member
Doctor Alan Desmond is a Consultant Gastroenterologist certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, Doctor Alan completed his medical training in Ireland and Oxford. He has a specialist interest in the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, he has published several influential research papers in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and is a dedicated advocate for the gut health benefits, and overall health benefits, of a whole-food plant-based approach to nutrition. He lives in South Devon with his wife and three children. Doctor Alan has made evidence-based dietary advice an essential part of his practice as a doctor specialising in gut health problems. He has presented at numerous international medical conferences on the benefits of this approach to food, alongside other renowned advocates including Dr Michael Greger, Dr Michael Klaper, Dietician Brenda Davis, Dr Kim Williams, and Dr Neal Barnard. He is an Ambassador for Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a not-for-profit group which educates members of the public, health professionals, and policy makers on the incredible health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Ro Huntriss BSc (Hons), PGDip, MSc, MRes, RD
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Ro Huntriss is a London-based Consultant Dietitian and Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience working in the NHS, private practice and commercial business. She holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Nutrition, and a second Master’s degree in Clinical Research. Following several years in the NHS she has worked in digital health for the past 6 years, currently working as the Chief Nutrition Officer for the global healthtech company, Palta. Ro is a leading clinician in several areas including women’s health – being one of the UK’s leading dietitians in fertility nutrition, weight management, diabetes, gastroenterology and digital health. Ro is the author of Deliciously Healthy Fertility, and is frequently seen in mainstream media including the BBC, Forbes, Daily Mail, The Express, The Sun, HELLO! Magazine, OK! Magazine, The Mirror and Cosmopolitan. She is a published academic author, with research published in peer-reviewed journals to include the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Obesity, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Clinical Obesity. She was awarded Social Media Influencer of the Year in 2022 by the British Dietetic Association and was named Community Nutrition Professional of the Year in 2021 by CN Magazine. Ro is passionate about women’s health, health innovation and supporting the professional development of healthcare professionals to optimise patient care.
Kaitlin Colucci, RD MNutr
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Kaitlin is a one of the UKs leading gut health Dietitian’s and a yoga instructor. She also holds the esteemed role of Lead Dietitian for the outpatient dietetic service at London Bridge Hospital, a distinguished private healthcare institution in the heart of London. Kaitlin’s journey commenced at the University of Nottingham, where she completed a comprehensive four-year master’s degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Subsequently, she honed her expertise during her tenure at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where she garnered invaluable experience across several different specialities before channeling her focus into the specialised realm of gastroenterology. In addition to her degree, Kaitlin underwent specialised training at Kings College London, becoming proficient in the delivery and instruction of the Low FODMAP diet, a skill she now applies in her dedicated work with patients in the field of gastroenterology, particularly those afflicted by intricate functional gut disorders such as IBS. IAs a testament to her expertise, Kaitlin is an esteemed media spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Her expertise has been prominently featured on esteemed television programs, including BBC Countryfile, BBC Food Truth or Scare, and Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, showcasing her dedication to advancing public understanding of nutrition and gut health. She has also contributed her insightful knowledge to well-regarded publications such as Women’s Health, Food Matters Live, and The Daily Mail. Furthermore, Kaitlin possesses a wealth of experience collaborating with companies, where her consultancy skills, extensive knowledge, and expertise have proven invaluable. Her multifaceted talents extend to the creation of compelling PR materials and the delivery of captivating cooking demonstrations at prestigious events and conferences, including the BBC Good Food Show.
Professor Giles Yeo PhD, MBE
Advisory Board Member
Giles Yeo got his PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Cambridge in 1998, after which he joined the lab of Prof Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, working on the genetics of severe human obesity. Giles Yeo is now a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology and programme leader at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit in Cambridge and his research currently focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behaviour & body-weight. In addition, he is a graduate tutor and fellow of Wolfson College, and Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association. Giles is also a broadcaster and author, presenting science documentaries for the BBC, and hosts a podcast called ‘Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat’. His first book ‘Gene Eating’ was published in December 2018, and his second book ‘Why Calories Don’t Count’ came out in June 2021. Giles was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s 2020 birthday honours for services to ‘Research, Communication and Engagement’. He won the Society for Endocrinology Medal in 2022.