Dr. Raman Dhami

A Dietitian is a health professional who has a Bachelor’s degree specializing in foods and nutrition, as well as a period of practical training in a hospital and a community setting. It takes at least 3 to 4 years of full-time study at a college or university to qualify as a Dietitian. After earning a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university, dietitians typically complete an internship or practice program at a health care facility, food service company, hospital, or other organization. Many Dietitians further their knowledge by pursuing a master’s or Doctoral degree. Dietitians apply the science of nutrition to promote health, treat and prevent malnutrition and provide therapeutic dietary guidelines for patients, clients and the public in health and illness. Dietitians organize food and nutrition plan and promote healthy eating habits to prevent and treat illness. They find work in food service businesses, or working with patients in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. They work with both healthy and sick people. Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

Nutritionists typically do not have any professional training, and therefore, should not be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of any diseases. Also, many doctors, including medical doctors, osteopaths, physician assistants, chiropractors and naturopathic doctors, practice clinical nutrition after completing extra work in the study of food and nutrition science. One of the major differences is that a dietitian can help to diagnose eating disorders or help plan meals for the managing of symptoms of health problems. While nutritionists can certainly offer support in these areas, most of their work deals with food behavior. They teach clients about the general nutrition and health properties in food and offer nutrition supervision. The term Nutritionist is not regulated by law so people with different levels of training and knowledge can call themselves a “Nutritionist”.

Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into terms you can understand. They unlock food’s potential and support healthy living for their patients, clients, and communities.  A dietitian would not just hand you a diet or a list of foods not to eat and send you on your way or promote or sell you unnecessary food or supplements. Dietitians look beyond fads and gimmicks to deliver reliable, life-changing advice tailored to your objectives as well as personal needs and challenges. Dietitian can develop nutrition and overall wellness plans for individuals or groups. You may seek this type of nutritional counseling when dealing with specific diseases, including Cancer, Celiac Disease, Diabetes, Heart disease, High blood pressure ,High cholesterol, When you meet with a dietitian about medical nutrition therapy, you will get an in-depth analysis of your eating habits. You should treat it like a nutritional education, meant to help you become healthier. Your dietitian can help you create better eating habits, point out problem as in your current diet, make science-based recommendations, and assist you in achieving your health goals.