Role of a Dietitian

Dietitians have an important role in the overall health of individuals. They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and in private practice.

Identification

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists "plan food and nutrition programs, supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications."

Types

Dietitians manage food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools, promote sound eating habits through education, and conduct research. Many dietitians specialize, becoming a clinical dietitian, community dietitian, management dietitian, or consultant.
Management dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in institutions such as prisons and schools.
Consultant dietitians have their own businesses and have their own clients. They provide nutritional assessments and nutritional counseling.

Function

Dietitians are skilled in helping people learn how to eat properly no matter what kind of illness or disease they may have. A few examples are: helping someone with high cholesterol learn how to eat better by including more fruits and vegetables in their diet, and by eating high-fiber foods; and helping people with diabetes learn how to eat better by choosing whole grains and by eating less sugar.

Benefits

Benefits of having a dietitian include having a healthy diet, learning how to eat for what illness or disease you may have, receiving recommendations about safe levels of vitamins and supplements, and possible weight loss.