Evidence-based clinical nutrition,
Australia-wide
Stop guessing what to eat; start with the evidence.
If you are living with a metabolic, hormonal, gut, auto-immune, neurological or fertility concern, and you need some extra support that your doctor might not be able to give you within short consultations, I would love to help.
I am Mechelle Palermo, a clinical nutritionist based in Perth, offering whole-person nutrition through telehealth consultations across Australia.
Behind my work sits more than 30 years in medical laboratory science including haematology, microbiology, cytogenetics and genetics, a degree in clinical nutrition, accreditation as a Metabolic Balance and G.E.M.M practitioner, and access to functional pathology that can reveal what standard testing may miss, or in addition to conventional pathology.
Here is how my approach differs: a food-first strategy to good health. We begin with a thorough initial consultation, then build a personalised protocol around what is driving your symptoms: care designed to work alongside your GP and existing medical team, never to replace them.
So many of the people I see arrive after years of conflicting advice, wanting just one thing: someone to finally look at the full picture.
Book an initial consultation to map what is going on underneath, and together we will build a plan that fits your real life.
Experience you can trust
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I bring more than 30 years in medical laboratory science and genetics, so your plan is grounded in the best scientific research evidence, not guesswork.
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Your first appointment gives you a full hour for your complete health history and lab screening, rather than the rushed 15 to 30 minutes you might be used to.
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Having managed auto-immune conditions first-hand, I genuinely understand what living with a chronic condition asks of you.
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My background in medical laboratory science opens the door to functional pathology that looks beyond routine tests, helping pinpoint what standard results may miss.
An approach built around you
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Guided by the principle "let food be thy medicine", supplements come in only when your body genuinely needs the extra support.
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Rather than managing surface-level symptoms, whole-person clinical nutrition uncovers what is actually driving your condition.
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Your plan draws on evidence-informed Metabolic Balance and G.E.M.M protocols, shaped around your body and routine and adjusted as your progress unfolds.
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I am glad to work alongside your existing medical team, complementing your care rather than replacing it.
Choose the right starting point for your health
Metabolic Balance Program
A structured, individualised program built from your blood pathology, full health history and a personalised meal plan with coaching, designed to support metabolic health and sustainable weight management.
Functional Testing
Functional pathology such as hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA), microbiome and genetic testing helps identify what standard testing may miss, so your plan can be built around what is driving your symptoms.
Consultations & Coaching
One-on-one consultations and coaching bundles built around a comprehensive health history, your pathology results and a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that adapts as your body responds.
“I enjoyed my nutrition sessions with Mechelle. You taught me the foods to eat and not to eat. You also taught me how to count sugars in all foods. You also helped me with my emotional struggles with my weight and other personal emotions. As well as education, Mechelle helped me with ideas of food to make. Thank you Mechelle.”
Candy, weight loss client
Where clinical nutrition may help
I work primarily in metabolic health, one of Australia's most pressing public health concerns, using clinical nutrition to support the whole person alongside your existing medical care.
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Weight management and obesity, including clients taking GLP-1 medications or wanting a food-first alternative
Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation, including pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes
Raised cholesterol and triglycerides
High blood pressure
Elevated cardiovascular risk markers
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Perimenopause and menopause
Pre-conception and fertility support
PCOS (also referred to as PMOS)
Thyroid conditions, including underactive and overactive thyroid
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IBS and persistent digestive symptoms
Bloating and irregular bowel habits
Gut microbiome imbalances
Food sensitivities
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Inflammatory and auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Skin conditions
Auto-immune thyroid conditions
Brain fog, fatigue, anxiety and cognitive concerns
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Nutrient and mineral imbalances, assessed through functional testing such as HTMA
Heavy metal and toxic element accumulation
Adrenal and stress-related concerns
Meet your practitioner
I'm Mechelle Palermo, a clinical nutritionist with more than 30 years in medical laboratory science including haematology, microbiology and genetics that shapes how I read your pathology and functional testing.
I live with an auto-immune condition myself, so I understand what it is like to manage a diagnosis that standard tests do not always explain.
That keeps me focused on the evidence and on you: a thorough health history, functional pathology that looks beyond routine results, and a plan built around what is genuinely driving your symptoms. I want you to leave feeling understood and clear on your next step towards better health.
“Let food be thy medicine
and medicine be thy food.”
Hippocrates
Some of my valued partners
Frequently Asked Questions
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As a clinical nutritionist, I take a holistic, whole-person and food-first approach to health, using evidence-informed assessment and education.
I focus on optimising your diet and lifestyle first, with vitamin, mineral and functional supplements playing a secondary, supportive role. Initial consultations run for around 60 to 90 minutes, with follow-ups of 30 to 60 minutes, allowing far more time than a standard medical appointment.
A thorough case history covers your medical and family history, medications and supplements, lifestyle, diet, digestion, review of other body health systems, and recent pathology, so your plan is built around your goals.
This work complements your medical care; it is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.
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My core focus is metabolic and digestive health and weight management, including support for clients using GLP-1 medications.
I also support women's health, hormonal balance and fertility, with pre-conception nutrition to help optimise your health before, during and after pregnancy alongside your medical team.
Other chronic, inflammation-related concerns are supported as a secondary part of this work, always by identifying what is driving the issue and supporting you alongside your existing medical team.
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I bring more than 30 years in medical science, including genetics, to my practice, along with 14 years studying nutrition.
My study includes a medical science degree and postgraduate study at Curtin University, a clinical nutrition degree at Endeavour College, and a graduate nutrition certificate at Deakin University, plus nutrition health-coaching qualifications with Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN).
I hold current accreditations with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), G.E.M.M and Metabolic Balance.
I am also a member of the MTHFR Support genetics group.
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Yes. I am a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and maintain my accreditation each year through ongoing professional development and education, in line with the society's standards.
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I am based in Perth and currently offer online appointments only, available via telehealth Australia-wide, so you can take part wherever you live.
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Your first consultation is an in-depth session of around 60 to 90 minutes covering your health history, a review of your pathology, and the start of a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan, which may include the structured Metabolic Balance program.
Regular follow-up coaching sessions are then scheduled so your plan can adapt as your body responds.
To begin, book an initial consultation.
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Results vary between individuals, so outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Many people work towards weight optimisation, steadier energy, improved digestion, and gradual, measurable improvements in their metabolic health and inflammation markers over time, supported by regular coaching. This may also help support your long-term health and wellbeing. The aim is sustainable change rather than a quick fix.
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Fees depend on whether you choose a single consultation, a consultation bundle or a structured program such as Metabolic Balance, and current pricing is confirmed when you enquire.
Rebates may be available if you have private health insurance with cover for nutrition; the amount depends on your fund and level of cover.
