diëtist

A diëtist is a health professional who specializes in clinical nutrition and dietary management. They help individuals improve or maintain health through personalized nutrition plans, assess nutritional status, identify dietary problems, and provide guidance aimed at treatment, prevention, or optimization of well‑being. Their work spans general nutrition advice as well as medical nutrition therapy for various conditions, and they may address issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and malnutrition.

Training and regulation typically require completing a recognized degree in dietetics or nutrition and obtaining professional registration or licensure with a health authority or professional body. In many countries the title diëtist is protected by law, and practitioners must adhere to ethical standards and participate in ongoing education to maintain their credentials. This emphasis on formal training and regulation helps ensure evidence‑based practice and patient safety.

Dietetists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities, community health centers, schools, and private practice. They often operate as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals. Common activities include conducting dietary assessments, calculating energy and nutrient needs, developing individualized meal plans, providing counseling and behavior‑change support, monitoring progress, and adjusting recommendations as needed. They may also deliver nutrition education to groups and contribute to public health initiatives.

Differences between diëtists and nutritionists vary by country; in many places diëtists hold regulated credentials, while nutritionists may have varying levels of formal training. Regardless, both roles focus on using diet to support health, though regulation and scope of practice differ.