Nutritionists can work in a variety of sectors and in different specializations, yet their ultimate purpose in any setting lies in preventive health care with a focus on diet. Nutritionists work to prevent and treat illnesses by recommending dietary changes, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as by promoting healthy eating habits.
Weight Management
For people who are overweight or obese, a nutritionist's purpose is to educate them on how to care for themselves with food and prevent long-term health complications resulting from chronic obesity. Nutritionists often work with at-risk populations, including children, whose BMI has reached a critically high level, 30 or more, according to the American Dietetic Association. While the dangers of obesity are well known to the general public, in the face of rampant contradictory studies and aggressive marketing by the weight loss industry, people do not always find it easy to organize optimal food choices and sustainable diets by themselves. A nutritionist can help an obese person develop a simple, effective program that keeps the weight off.
Diesease Prevention and Management
Nutritionists are essential to the care and treatment of most chronic health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disorders, HIV and AIDS and osteoporosis. Their purpose is to help clients with these types of health issues manage their condition, and in some cases reduce symptoms, with carefully chosen foods. Nutritionists consult with doctors and other health care professionals to help clients achieve the best possible quality of life.
Sports Nutrition
In competitive sports, the purpose of a nutritionist is to guide athletes toward the types of foods that will optimize their athletic performance in their chosen sport. Sports nutritionists devise an eating strategy that supports rigorous training, assists in post-workout recovery and balances overall health.
Meal Planning
Nutritionists often work in cafeterias and in large institutions such as hospitals, schools, prisons and nursing homes. Their purpose in this capacity is to plan, orchestrate and supervise the preparation and efficient distribution of healthful meals to large groups of people.
Gerontological Nutrition
A growing field for nutritionists is healthy aging. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aging population has increased demand for nutritional counseling and treatment in residential care facilities, home health care organizations, hospitals and the community at large. The purpose of a nutritionist in this case lies in educating and empowering elderly clients. People can maintain vitality through adherence to a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and potassium, as well as fiber and low-saturated fats.
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