Nutrition

Navigating nutrition can be confusing, and everyone's needs differ. Implementing the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES), UHS Nutrition strives to provide a personalized path to total body wellness.

Our approach blends nutrition and psychology to help manage a variety of health conditions including, but not limited to:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Cardiovascular health
• Cholesterol management
• Cognitive and neurological health
• Diabetes and blood sugar management
• Eating disorders and disordered eating
• Gastrointestinal disorders and digestive health
• Meal and menu planning
• Pediatric and family nutrition
• Pregnancy and lactation nutrition
• Sports and performance nutrition

Services are billed to your insurance plan. Call your insurance carrier for coverage information.

The Student Health Benefit Plan covers unlimited nutrition appointments at UHS!

Eating Disorder Evaluation

Are you or a friend concerned about your relationship with food and your body? If you think you might have an eating disorder, you can call (413) 577-5079 to schedule an evaluation. You will meet with our intake nurse, and then be scheduled with a provider and nutritionist. We can work with you to find appropriate mental health care, which is an essential part of treatment. 

We understand that eating disorders impact many areas of your life and your health, so we work together to ensure that you receive the care that will most support you in your process of recovery.

Depending on your specific needs, we may be able to provide focused and goal-oriented care on campus. We may also work with you to connect you with off-campus providers or a higher level of care.

Eating Disorder Support

If you already have a diagnosed eating disorder and need additional support while you are on campus, please call our intake nurse at (413) 577-5079. Services we provide include:

• Blind weight checks
• Vital sign checks
• EKGs
• Lab work
• Nutrition support (not weekly)

Counseling

Food and feelings often go hand-in-hand. If you are concerned about an eating disorder, it is essential to seek mental health care in addition to nutrition and medical support. Talk about what’s on your mind with a counselor from the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. Call (413) 545-2337 for an appointment.

Athletic Nutrition

UHS and the athletics department work together to provide sports nutrition services at UHS. Student athletes can receive dietary evaluation, discuss nutritional issues and learn about eating for peak results. UHS nutritionist Molly Barnes, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. offers specialized services for UMass Amherst student athletes, as part of the multidisciplinary sports medicine team.

She works with players, coaches, athletic trainers and teams to provide:

• Individual consultations and group presentations focusing on peak performance through good nutrition
• Nutrition evaluation and suggestions for dietary enhancement
• Guidance on achieving and maintaining healthy levels of body mass, fat and muscle mass
• Counseling on hydration protocols
• Support for nutrition-related challenges to performance, such as food allergies, bone mineral issues, gastrointestinal disturbances and iron-deficiency anemia
• Information on optimal nutrition for recovery from illness or injury

Together with doctors, therapists and trainers, she also works to support and guide student-athletes who have eating disorders.