Dietetics is the scientific study of the food that people eat and its effects on their health. Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food. They help people to make better decisions about what they eat and drink.
They also assist people who have to change their diet due to an allergy or other health condition. Dietitians work with individuals of all ages to discuss their specific dietary needs.
Some dietitians work in community settings and with charities and other organisations to promote the well-being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems.
Dietitians work with healthy and sick people in a variety of health and care settings, such as hospitals, care homes and clinics. Some dietitians specialise in mental health, learning disabilities, community, acute settings, and public health.
They work as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team, for example with GP’s and Nurses, to treat complex conditions such as diabetes, food allergy, IBS syndrome and eating disorders, to name but a few.
In health and care settings such as hospitals and care homes they provide advice to caterers to ensure the nutritional care of all clients. They also plan and implement public health programmes to promote health and prevent nutrition related diseases.
A key role of a dietitian is to train and educate other health and social care workers. They also advise on diet to avoid the side effects and interactions between medications.