Dr. Kevin Whelan, PhD, RD, FBDA

Kevin Whelan, PhD, RD, FBDA, works as a registered dietitian and professor of dietetics at King’s College London in London, United Kingdom, with a career centred on dietetics, the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal nutrition. He is appointed as Professor of Dietetics and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

The research and professional emphasis of Dr. Kevin Whelan falls on irritable bowel syndrome and the low FODMAP approach; inflammatory bowel disease and food related quality of life; and prebiotics, probiotics and dietary fibre.

Dietetics combines the science of nutrition with the practical business of helping people change what they eat, in clinics, in communities and through research. Dr. Kevin Whelan contributes to the field through dietetics, the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal nutrition.

Dr. Kevin Whelan At A Glance

• Full Name And Credentials: Kevin Whelan, PhD, RD, FBDA
• Profession: Registered dietitian and professor of dietetics
• Field Of Focus: Dietetics, the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal nutrition
• Current Position: Professor of Dietetics and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences
• Institution: King’s College London
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Sees Patients: No, this specialist works in research and education

Dr. Kevin Whelan Degrees, Doctorate And Registration

The qualifications below are drawn from the institutional, professional body and publisher sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Professional Qualification: Registered Dietitian
• Doctorate: PhD, King’s College London, investigating prebiotics and the gut microbiome
• Education: MA in Academic Practice, Teaching and Learning, King’s College London, awarded with distinction

Main Areas Of Knowledge For Dr. Kevin Whelan

Published professional sources describe the work of Dr. Kevin Whelan as centred on:

• Irritable bowel syndrome and the low FODMAP approach
• Inflammatory bowel disease and food related quality of life
• Prebiotics, probiotics and dietary fibre
• The gut microbiome in health and disease
• Evidence based dietetic practice and education

Professional Roles And Advisory Work Of Dr. Kevin Whelan

• Professor of Dietetics and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London
• Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, which provides independent risk assessment and advice to United Kingdom government departments, appointed 2021
• Series Editor of the British Dietetic Association Advanced Nutrition and Dietetics series, covering gastroenterology, diabetes, obesity and nutrition support
• Editorial board member, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• Trustee, Academy of Nutrition Sciences
• Has led extensive trials of prebiotics, probiotics, fibre and dietary interventions in gastrointestinal disease

Honours Received By Dr. Kevin Whelan

• Fellow of the British Dietetic Association, awarded 2017
• Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecturer, 2018, on modifying the microbiome in gut health and disease
• Published trial evidence underpinning dietary guidance for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease
• Recognised advocate for dietetic research and for challenging pseudoscience in nutrition

Dr. Kevin Whelan Primary Location

King’s College London

London, United Kingdom. This is an academic and research base rather than a patient clinic. Enquiries about research, teaching or media are handled by the institution rather than by this directory.

Background On Gastrointestinal Dietetics

The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria and other microbes living in the digestive tract, and it differs markedly from one person to another. Diet is one of the strongest influences on it, which is part of why two people can eat the same meal and show different blood sugar and blood fat responses. Work in this area links dietary fibre, fermented foods and plant diversity to the make up of the microbiome, and uses that to explain why one size fits all dietary advice often disappoints.

Further Specialists Working In Gastrointestinal Dietetics

If you are comparing specialists, these profiles cover closely related areas of nutrition:

• Dr. Sarah Berry, personalised nutrition science at King’s College London and ZOE
• Dr. Shilpa Ravella, gastroenterology and nutrition at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, with rural health practice in Hilo, Hawaii
• Dr. Tim Spector, gut microbiome nutrition at King’s College London and ZOE
• Dr. Federica Amati, personalised and clinical nutrition at ZOE, Imperial College London and King’s College London

Browse the full dietitian and nutritionist directory for more specialists.

Collaboration And Enquiry Details For Dr. Kevin Whelan

This specialist does not offer individual consultations. Dr. Kevin Whelan works in research, teaching and public health nutrition. Dr. Kevin Whelan is a registered dietitian whose work now centres on research, teaching and national advisory roles rather than individual clinics. Research, teaching and media enquiries go to King’s College London directly. For personal dietary advice, see a dietitian or nutritionist registered in your own country, or use the enquiry button on this page and we will point you towards a practising specialist in the directory.

Quick Answers About Dr. Kevin Whelan

Where is Dr. Kevin Whelan based?

Dr. Kevin Whelan works at King’s College London in London, United Kingdom.

Does Dr. Kevin Whelan see patients?

No. Dr. Kevin Whelan works in research, teaching and public health rather than individual consultations, and does not offer private appointments. For one to one dietary advice, see a registered dietitian or nutritionist licensed in your own country.

What did Dr. Kevin Whelan study?

PhD, King’s College London, investigating prebiotics and the gut microbiome. Full training details appear in the education section above.

What are the qualifications of Dr. Kevin Whelan?

Kevin Whelan, PhD, RD, FBDA. Registered Dietitian.

What position does Dr. Kevin Whelan hold?

Dr. Kevin Whelan is Professor of Dietetics and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, based at King’s College London.

What is Gastrointestinal Dietetics?

Gastrointestinal Dietetics is the area of nutrition science concerned with dietetics, the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal nutrition. Specialists working in it, including Dr. Kevin Whelan, study how diet relates to health and translate those findings into guidance.

References Supporting This Dr. Kevin Whelan Profile

• King’s College London staff profile
• British Dietetic Association
• Academy of Nutrition Sciences trustee profile

Editorial Review And Last Update For Dr. Kevin Whelan

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including university faculty pages, professional register and society records, journal author statements and publisher biographies. Qualifications, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

How To Use The Information About Dr. Kevin Whelan

Information only, not medical or dietary advice, and not a listing for appointments. For individual guidance, see a registered dietitian or your own doctor.