Stephanie Costello, RD

Stephanie Costello, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are your primary partners in preventive care, collaboratively creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and providing expert medical nutrition therapy and wellness counseling to empower you to achieve and maintain optimal well-being. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 844-3326.

Dr. Stephanie RD, a dietitian in Tampa, FL, is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus is on preventive care, working with you to develop personalized strategies for achieving and maintaining optimal health through nutrition. Dr. Stephanie RD is dedicated to providing the best possible care, using the latest research and evidence-based best practices. She prioritizes building strong relationships with her patients and creating a space where open communication and collaboration are central to the process. Dr. Stephanie RD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Stephanie RD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Stephanie RD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Stephanie RD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Cholesterol Diseases: Regular checkups and proactive management of cholesterol levels are essential for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications.
• Lipid Disorders: Early detection of unhealthy lipid levels is crucial because it allows for timely interventions, like dietary changes, to prevent serious health complications.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Preventive strategies, including dietary modifications suggested by a registered dietitian, can lessen the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum, minimizing its negative impact on maternal and fetal health.
• Hypercholesterolemia Due to LDL Receptor Deficiency: A rare genetic condition causing high cholesterol, early detection and proactive lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent heart disease later in life.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications like esophageal damage.
• Female Infertility: Early identification and management of weight, vitamin deficiencies, and other lifestyle factors that affect fertility can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
• Hypogonadism: Addressing hypogonadism through balanced nutrition and appropriate medical care is vital to prevent the progression of symptoms and minimize the impact on overall well-being and quality of life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Stephanie RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Diet Counseling: Invest in your future health with personalized diet counseling, helping you identify and address dietary factors contributing to or preventing health conditions.
• Wellness Examination: Ensure you're on the path to optimal health with a wellness examination; it's a key step in identifying potential problems and implementing preventive strategies.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Proactively manage your weight, bone health, and cardiovascular health during menopause with expert guidance and a tailored nutrition plan.
• Pain Management: We can explore whether specific foods or dietary patterns might be exacerbating your pain, and create a personalized plan to reduce symptoms.
• Disease Prevention: Proactively prevent future health problems by working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your individual risk factors.
• Obesity Counseling: Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to manage your weight effectively, reducing your risk of developing obesity-related health problems.
• Genetic Testing: As a proactive step in maintaining your health, genetic testing can reveal your inherited traits that influence your metabolism and nutritional needs, guiding personalized dietary recommendations.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Florida.

Dr. Stephanie RD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers/Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Client's life:

• By following a personalized nutrition plan, a patient significantly lowered their cholesterol levels, reducing their risk of future heart problems and gaining peace of mind.
• By following a personalized dietary plan guided by a registered dietitian nutritionist, a patient successfully maintained healthy lipid levels, reducing their risk of future cardiovascular issues and gaining peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Dr. Stephanie RD:

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional with extensive training and supervised practice experience. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, so it does not guarantee a comparable level of education or experience. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Stephanie RD?

Your first visit with Dr. Stephanie RD will be a comprehensive and collaborative assessment. We'll review your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This is the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan for you.

I have IBS and other digestive issues. How can you help?

Dr. Stephanie RD can act as a "food detective," helping identify foods that may be triggering your IBS and other digestive issues. Often, strategies like a low FODMAP diet can be used to pinpoint and reduce these triggers, significantly lessening symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, and improving your overall quality of life.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

An oncology dietitian, like Dr. Stephanie RD, plays a supportive role during cancer treatment. They can help manage treatment side effects such as nausea and appetite loss, prevent weight loss, and maintain strength, all of which can help patients better tolerate their treatments.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

Yes, proper nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. Dr. Stephanie RD can provide personalized guidance on key nutrients, healthy weight gain, and managing pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or nausea.

How can a dietitian help me manage my diabetes?

Dr. Stephanie RD can help you manage your diabetes by teaching you carbohydrate counting, balancing meals to stabilize blood sugar, and making healthy food choices without sacrificing flavor. This empowers you to take control of your condition.

I want to lose weight. Can you just give me a meal plan?

While sample meal plans can be helpful, a personalized approach focusing on sustainable habit changes, understanding portion sizes, and developing a healthy relationship with food is key to long-term weight management success. We work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs. This includes education and support to help you make lasting changes.

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based, therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions using a tailored diet plan. It's a formal process provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to manage diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, and is often covered by insurance.

1 Tampa General Cir
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 844-3326

Stephanie Costello, RD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1053997718

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) like Dr. Stephanie RD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.