Most generally, a nutritionist is somebody who provides expert advise on the health benefits or consequences of eating various foods, looking at the total diet of particular people and the overall nutritional value of it in relation to the clients needs.
Most nutritionists work in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, or the offices of various healthcare practitioners. In these cases, a nutritionist will typically prescribe a particular diet intended to promote the health of a patient with particular dietary needs. This could range from teaching someone with high blood pressure due to sodium sensitivity to cook using less salt, or providing an overall diet plan for someone suffering from obesity. Nutritionists might work with individuals who might be athletes doing high intensity training.
Additionally, some nutritionists manage large scale food preparation or catering services, which provide meals to institutions such as hospitals, schools, or prisons, insuring that clients are receiving properly nutritional meals. A smaller number of nutritionists do general research on the health benefits of different kinds of foods, and some do consulting work for companies who produce food products for the mass market (such as fast food chains and microwave dinners).
While the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" are often used interchangeably, in most states in the US only the title of "dietitian" is regulated, requiring a certain level of education or training, and a certification (the requirements vary by state to state).
The best resource to find a registered nutritionist need you is http://www.eatright.org which is the website for the American Dietetic Association ("ADA"). Simply click on the "Find A Registered Dietitian" button on the top right and you can find all registered nutritionists by simply locating your area on the map.
Submitted 364 days ago...
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Answer 1 / 4 - Submitted 363 days ago...
A nutritionist is a physician who specializes in nutrition and treatment of diseases caused by poor diet or poor quality.
Unlike a dietitian who helps to establish proper dietary habits for individuals or groups a nutritionist treats diseases related to food and eating, eg: obesity and diabetes.
However, the nutritionist may also intervene where dietary monitoring is required in cases associated with psychological disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. In these cases the nutritionist will work as a member of a multi-skilled team to regularise the everyday lifestyle of the patient including their professional and social relations as well as their eating habits.
Their task is to advise individuals and the community about their food choices for a healthy lifestyle related to the diet. Nutritionists need extensive knowledge of the nutritive value of foods, the important body requirements at different stages of development, and the importance of nutrients and diet for general health and disease prevention.
Nutritionists can be involved in the research and development of new food products and they may do research into the role of nutrients and dietary patterns in health and disease.
Professionally specialized graduates in nutrition generally occupy positions such as
Dietitian
Nutrition Consultant
Nutrition Coordinator
Public Health Nutritionist
Project or Program Officer
Research Assistant
Their potential employers are hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, non-government organizations, food/beverage suppliers and manufacturers, airlines, educational institutions, wine companies, supermarket chains, various research laboratories and public health departments.
When my son was young, he failed to put on weight. We were referred to a nutritionist who helped me to create meals that would benefit him.
She advised me on the the best foods that would give him all the vitamins and minerals his little body required, in spite of the amount he ate.
I am very thankful to that lady, my son started to grow and is now a very healthy 6' man.
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