Career in Dietetics

Nutrition and dietetics is the science and art of human food based on the principles of dietetics. It's often called the "science and art of human nutritional care." Diet plays a crucial role in a person's health and well-being. Good, balanced eating habits improve life's potential, while poor diet contributes to disease and poor health. Diet relates to food management, and nutrition is linked to health enhancement.

The role of nutritionists and dietitians is becoming more important due to changes in the food habits of urban populations. They suggest proper diet habits by considering a person's age, work routine, and health conditions. They apply medical science to improve life capacity. Dietitians also teach clients how to prepare food according to nutritional principles. They understand the effects of food production and processing, psychological factors affecting food choices, and the digestive and nutritional aspects of food.

In the near future, an increasing and mobile population will boost demand for food and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies.

Role of Dietitian in Health Care

The role of a dietitian has been significant since the 19th century. Many people are still unaware of their full scope. Some think dietitians only give dietary advice for weight loss, but that's just a small part of their work. A dietitian is a crucial link between the patient and the medical team, helping make difficult decisions about nutritional care.

The Asian Society of Parents and Environmental Nutrition (ASEN) states that a dietitian's role in nutritional care, according to pre-established standards, is to recommend adequate sources and quantities of balanced nutrients.

What a Dietitian Does

• Plans food and nutrition programs.
• Supervises food arrangements in schools and hospitals.
• Suggests dietary changes.
• Provides dietary instruction to patients to improve their condition.
• Works with other healthcare professionals to promote multidisciplinary healthcare thinking.
• Provides information on the severity and complexity of illness, and the benefits and risks of food via all possible routes.