Dietist

Dietist is a term used in several languages to denote a health professional who specializes in nutrition and diet therapy. In many places the English equivalent is dietitian. Dietists apply evidence-based nutritional science to assess patients, design individualized meal plans, provide counseling, and monitor outcomes. They often work with people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, food allergies, eating disorders, and obesity, as well as with athletes and healthy individuals seeking guidance.

Education and regulation for dietists typically require a formal program in dietetics or nutrition, followed by supervised practice and licensure or registration where mandated. Many countries require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, successful completion of a national credentialing examination, and ongoing continuing education to maintain credentials. Regulatory bodies set professional standards and determine the scope of practice.

Practice settings for dietists include hospitals, clinics, community health centers, schools, long-term care facilities, private practice, and research institutions. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, chefs, and other health professionals to implement nutrition care plans that are safe, effective, and culturally appropriate.

Differences with related terms vary by jurisdiction. Dietists are typically trained to provide medical nutrition therapy and work in clinical and regulated settings, whereas the term nutritionist may be used more broadly and may carry different credentialing requirements depending on the country.