dietitians

Dietitians are health professionals who specialize in nutrition and its effects on health. They apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge to prevent and treat disease, manage chronic conditions, and promote overall well-being.

Education and credentialing typically include a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field, completion of a supervised practice program, and passing a national or regional registration exam. Ongoing professional development and licensure maintenance are common requirements. In some countries, dietitians hold titles such as Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Dietitians assess nutritional needs, diagnose nutrition problems, and develop individualized meal plans and medical nutrition therapy. They provide counseling on food choices and behavior change, educate patients and communities, and monitor progress while coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Work settings are diverse, including hospitals, clinics, community health programs, schools, long-term care facilities, research institutions, food service management, and industry. Dietitians may work in clinical roles with patients who have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or obesity, or in public health and prevention programs.

Specialties may include clinical nutrition, pediatric nutrition, renal or oncology nutrition, critical care, diabetes education, sports nutrition, and public health nutrition. Dietitians often collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other professionals to optimize nutrition care and support treatment plans.

In many countries, the title dietitian is regulated; the term nutritionist may be used by individuals with varying levels of training. Regulations and credentials differ by region.