Specialized nutrition support for your condition
Our nutritionists collaborate closely with many specialists, including oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, and primary care, to ensure your nutrition program fits seamlessly into your overall treatment plan. We aim to build a personalized nutrition plan that supports both your immediate health concerns and long-term wellness.
Nutrition support during cancer treatment can improve tolerance to therapy and support healing. Registered dietitians throughout the Penn Cancer System provide individualized nutrition guidance based on your type of cancer, treatment plan, and side effects.
Nutrition counseling may include:
- Strategies to maintain weight and strength
- Managing nausea, appetite changes, or swallowing issues
- Hydration guidance
- Evidence-based information about supplements and integrative approaches
Nutrition classes are also available to support you during and after treatment.
Medical nutrition therapy is a key part of diabetes care. Our nutritionists help you understand portion sizes, read food labels, plan balanced meals, and use diet and exercise to help you manage blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy weight. When appropriate, nutrition counseling is coordinated with endocrinology and metabolic medicine specialists who treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome, creating a personalized plan that supports long-term heart and metabolic health.
Nutrition support is a key part of medically supervised weight loss at Penn Medicine. Registered dietitians work with obesity medicine specialists and surgeons to help patients build sustainable eating habits that support long-term health. During nutrition counseling, dietitians assess your current diet, health history, and goals to create a personalized plan. For people considering bariatric surgery, guidance begins before surgery to help prepare for dietary changes and continues afterward with staged eating plans and follow-up support to promote healing, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and support lasting weight loss.
Our dietitians work with gastroenterologists at the Penn Nutrition, Obesity and Celiac Disease Program to optimize nutrition for people with celiac disease and other absorption disorders. Detailed education and meal planning support help avoid complications and maintain proper nutrient intake.
You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from nutrition services. Many people seek a nutritionist to prevent disease, improve energy, support fitness goals, or adopt healthier eating habits.
We offer:
- Individual and family nutrition counseling
- Sports nutrition guidance
- Medically supervised weight management
- Nutrition planning for illness recovery
- Counseling on the safety and effectiveness of herbal supplements
Advanced tools such as metabolism testing, body composition analysis, and food sensitivity testing may be used to further personalize your care.