In modern times, people all over the world are recognizing the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, and this is where the role of a dietician is gaining importance.

If you enjoy learning and researching about healthy food and want to make a difference to all those seeking to eat healthy, the career of a dietician is sure to interest you. Becoming a dietician requires you to become highly skilled in the various aspects of food and nutrition.

As a dietician you will be responsible for developing and promoting the good health of your clients and patients by giving them guidelines regarding healthy eating habits. Your responsibilities will also include supervising the preparation and service of food, develop specialized diets keeping in mind the special needs of clients and patients. Researching the new trends in nutrition and food is also a part of a dietician’s role. In a clinical setting, a dietitian is required to design specific diet plans for patients who are unable to consume food normally. Dieticians are also required to counsel clients and patients regarding diet plans and calories and nutrition contained in the various food items.

Dieticians are mainly classified into Clinical dieticians and Community dieticians. Clinical dietician deal with patients in hospitals and other medical institutions, assisting them with their nutritional needs. Working in tandem with doctors, they analyze patients’ nutritional needs and develop and implement food menu for patients. Clinical dieticians also help obese patients with weight loss and weight management.

Community dieticians work in public health centers, health organizations, etc to advise individuals and the society at large on healthy nutritional practices developed to prevent disease. Community Dieticians develop diet plans for individuals and families based on their needs. They also advise about healthy grocery shopping and balanced food preparation to the elderly, children, and individuals with special needs.

You can also set up a practice of your own, providing consulting services to hospitals and individuals. Some dieticians also work with sports teams and catering services to develop specialized food menus.To become a dietician you must have at least acquire a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or foods and nutrition. Some States in the United States also require licensure or certification. Hence, interested candidates should determine the requirements of the State in which they want to work, depending on which they can sit for the required exams.