An increase in male heart problems is mainly down to their diets and a need for a dietitian. Dietitians are registered with the Health Professions Council, who specialise in nutritional assessment, which combined with clinical information, is used to prescribe appropriate dietary treatment.

An inappropriate diet is the source of many health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, coeliac disease, malnutrition, renal and hepatic diseases and certain paediatric disorders. Men also tend to put on more weight in the stomach area, due to the amount of fatty foods and alcohol they consume, leading to greater risk of heart trouble. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people with the highest amount of belly fat had twice the risk of having potential harmful coronary build-up as those who had the lowest amount.

Dietitian Liz Moore said: "Some believe they can still eat the same way they did in college. With changes in metabolism, the prevalence of sedentary jobs, and a less active lifestyle, pizza at midnight can really pack on the pounds.”

The dietitian's aim is to educate patients to make informed food choices required for the dietary management of their condition and to ensure nutritional needs are met. They also have a key role in the management of artificial feeding and support to family and carers when required. Dietitians have a major role in nutrition and health promotion initiatives and disease prevention programmes. They liaise with other health professionals and key personnel in a variety of community settings.