Dr Linia Patel was born and raised in Zambia. Growing up she wanted to be a vet, however her path led her to being a passionate Dietitian. She trained as a dietitian in Capetown, South Africa. On graduating she moved to London to pursue a Master’s in Public Nutrition in London, where after she began her career.
Linia has worked in a number of nutrition settings include sports nutrition, corporate wellness, public health and in the media. With PhD in Public health and over 100 published articles on diet and health, Linia has a strong grounding in nutrition science. Her passion is translating science into easy to digest and practical advice.
She is a British Dietetic Association Spokesperson and is regularly seen appearing on national TV and being quoted in the press. She is an active being and loves socialising over good food.
Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Having lived in Zambia, South Africa, UK, and Italy it’s hard to call one place home. I make home the place where I am currently living.
What are your proudest achievements?
I cannot single out one particular achievement. Life is a journey. I proud of how far I have come, I am embracing the present and look forward to what the future has in store. My best days are ahead of me!
What inspires you?
People who live with purpose.
What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
As health professionals we are not trained to have a business mindset. I have been a freelance Nutrition consultant for 10 years now. It has been a steep learning curve.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I am fortunate to have had several inspiring role models and wonderful mentors throughout my career. My mother instilled an incredible work ethic in my brother and I as children, which has served me well over the years. It has taken consistent work to get to where I am now. There is power in consistency.
What is the best aspect about your current role?
I get to help make a difference in people's lives. What an honour!
And the worst?
There is no worst aspect. I am very blessed to be in a job that I am passionate about.
What are your long-term goals?
To be the fullest expression of myself on every level. To play my part in building a healthier world.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Obligatory kindness! We need more kindness in this world. However, I am particularly passionate about health inequalities, so I would ensure that at the core all public health interventions implemented effectively addressed the disparities.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Jesus! It would be wonderful to have water turned into wine, or even pina colada's if we are on an island!
