Fiona KendallDietitian
Fiona is a New Zealand registered dietitian with a special interest in the role of nutrition in pain and pelvic health. She holds a Master of Dietetics and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Otago, and has published research in Nutrients examining how different carbohydrates affect satiety and energy intake.
Fiona was part of the 2023 pilot of the PIPPI programme for women with pelvic pain, where 88% of participants reported overall improvement. She also contributes nutrition articles to NZ Doctor magazine and enjoys translating evidence into practical, patient-centred advice. |
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Practical Dietetic Approaches for Chronic Pain and Obesity Management: Clinical Considerations for Patients with Funding Restraints of the ACC System
Chronic pain and obesity commonly coexist, creating complex clinical challenges that are further amplified by funding constraints within the ACC system. This presentation explores practical, evidence-informed dietetic approaches to support adults with chronic pain and obesity when consultation time and funded sessions are limited.
Drawing on clinical experience and current research, the session examines the bidirectional relationships between pain, inflammation, weight, mood, and physical function. Emphasis is placed on realistic, patient-centred nutrition interventions that prioritise functional improvement, pain management, and sustainable behaviour change rather than rapid weight loss. Key topics include nutrition strategies to support pain modulation and energy balance, addressing emotional and stress-related eating, managing medication effects, and adapting recommendations for individuals with low energy, fatigue, or limited activity tolerance.
The presentation will share brief assessment frameworks, prioritisation strategies, and practical tools to help dietitians maximise clinical impact within ACC funding parameters. Case examples will demonstrate how clear goal-setting, targeted education, and interprofessional collaboration can be effectively tailored despite systemic limitations. This session aims to equip dietitians and allied health professionals with pragmatic, compassionate strategies for delivering meaningful nutrition care to complex patients in real-world ACC-funded settings across diverse clinical pathways and multidisciplinary rehabilitation contexts within funded care environments.
Drawing on clinical experience and current research, the session examines the bidirectional relationships between pain, inflammation, weight, mood, and physical function. Emphasis is placed on realistic, patient-centred nutrition interventions that prioritise functional improvement, pain management, and sustainable behaviour change rather than rapid weight loss. Key topics include nutrition strategies to support pain modulation and energy balance, addressing emotional and stress-related eating, managing medication effects, and adapting recommendations for individuals with low energy, fatigue, or limited activity tolerance.
The presentation will share brief assessment frameworks, prioritisation strategies, and practical tools to help dietitians maximise clinical impact within ACC funding parameters. Case examples will demonstrate how clear goal-setting, targeted education, and interprofessional collaboration can be effectively tailored despite systemic limitations. This session aims to equip dietitians and allied health professionals with pragmatic, compassionate strategies for delivering meaningful nutrition care to complex patients in real-world ACC-funded settings across diverse clinical pathways and multidisciplinary rehabilitation contexts within funded care environments.
