Dietetics is the science of feeding human beings on the principles of nutrition. It can also be called as human nutritional care. Diet therapy is a major focus in patient care. Thus the field of dietetics is based on nutrition care to individuals and groups.

Diet plays nowadays a major role in an individual’s health and well being. If a person takes care of his eating habits, there will be no place for diseases. Nutritionists and dietetics are mostly concerned about this aspect. Dietetics is related to a person’s food management.

List of institutes offering dietetics

• All India institute of hygiene and public health-Kolkata
• Lady Irwin college-New Delhi
• Osmania university-Hyderabad
• University of Home economics-Delhi university
• Christian medical college-Vellore
• St. Teresa’s college-Ernakulam

Eligibility for doing B.Sc in dietetics

For doing B.Sc in dietetics, one must have passed 10+2 with science subjects. The school or board must be recognized by the government. No criterion of minimum marks is there.

Specialized areas in dietetics

• Management Dietitians: They are mostly involved in clinical management and food service systems.
• Community Dietitians: They mostly work in health clubs, gymnasiums and day care centers. They also work in public health agencies. They mostly give counseling sessions to people on diseases and their preventions.
• Clinical Dietitians: They mostly work in hospitals, private clinics etc. Their main function is to carry outpatient counseling, develop dietary plans and monitor a patient’s progress.
• Consultant Dietitians: These comprise mostly of independent consultants. They give valuable suggestion to the industry and work in medical centers and evaluate many fitness programs.

The main function of a Dietitian is;

• Coordinating meal preparations in schools and hospitals
• Recommending dietary supplements
• Working with other healthcare professionals
• Supervising food and nutrition programmes
• Actively monitoring patient care
• Informing on the illness and complications of diseases.

Scope and career opportunities

• Sports and health clubs: They can work in private health clubs and other fitness centers as well as health, recreation clubs and other nursing care facilities.
• Government sector: Dietitians can find employment in government hospitals, healthcare institutions, schools and colleges.
• Research and development: Dieticians can find work in any healthcare facilities and research centers run by the government. Their main job is to conduct research on food samples and find out the nutritive value of food. They have to ensure that the various food items undertaken have a balanced mix of nutrients.
• Private practitioner: Experienced Dietitians can work as independent counselors or consultants. They can provide their professional advice to people who are seeking advice on food habits and nutrition.

We see that due to unhealthy diet habits, a large percentage of population is suffering from various diseases. So, this course becomes a need in present day dietary habits.