What Does a Dietitian Do?

Dietitians are regarded as experts in the area of food and nutrition. Both individuals and companies seek the help of dietitians for various reasons. Certain dietitians work within a specific area which may cater to the public, medical or managerial sectors.

Function

• The services of dietitians are called upon for a range of purposes and situations. Some people may enlist the help of a dietitian to help them change unhealthy eating habits and weight issues. Others may look for their help in creating meal plans that can improve a preexisting medical condition or deficiency that they have. An important part of a dietitian's work is to inform clients of the potential risks and benefits of special foods and how eliminating or incorporating them into their diets can be beneficial.
  Dietitians may also be consulted to help plan and oversee nutritional goals for families, schools, companies, hospitals and other institutions. They formulate meal plans that are based on their client's objectives and practicability. For example, a hospital or other health based facility may enlist their help to create a meal plan that's cost efficient, beneficial to their patients and meets mandated guidelines.

Types

• There are different types of dietitians who work within a specific area. For example, there are clinical dietitians, managerial dietitians, consulting dietitians and community dietitians. However their basic intentions are alike: improving the nutritional knowledge and intake of people around the world. The American Dietetic Association views the main concerns and objectives as falling into the areas of food and food safety, child nutrition, health literacy and education, nutrition research and advancement, weight monitoring and management, and the dietary role in aging. You can view additional areas of focus by accessing the website address provides below.

Features

• In this day and age dietitians are generally required to hold at least a Bachelor's degree in the field. They must also meet the appropriate licensure and certification requirements that concern there place of employment. The specific certification requirements may vary in different places and a dietitian must complete these necessities in order to validly register themselves within the field. The American Dietetic Association grants a "Registered Dietitian" credential to individuals whom have successfully completed the obligatory coursework, internship and exam. It's a credential that must be maintained. This means that dietitians have to complete a minimum of 75 approved credit hours every five years. These are known as Continuing Education credits.

Benefits

• Dietitians are especially useful to someone whom has a condition that entails dietary restrictions. A diabetic may use their services to help them monitor their sugar and caloric intake and create a menu plan that will help them achieve optimal health. An individual with severe dietary restrictions may need a strict food plan to ensure that they are receiving all of the nutrients they need to maintain their health. A dietitian can also help them to come up with different recipes and food substitutions so they don't feel so limited in their choices.

Expert Insight

• Before enlisting the help of a dietitian, it's a good idea to make a list of your goals, problems, questions and concerns. You also want to be completely honest with them and make them aware of any conditions, allergies or problems that you've encountered in the past. Look for a dietitian who is familiar and experienced in working with people who have comparable needs and goals to your own.