Who is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist (ماہرغذائیت) is a dietary counsellor and expert. Having studied food sciences, they have knowledge of the dietary stipulations of a wide range of illnesses. They guide people to help them make educated food choices, as what we eat has a profound impact on our health.
As different ages and genders have different dietary needs, nutritionists are trained to treat patients from all ages and backgrounds. They work in different capacities in a wide range of work domains, like clinics, industries, private practices etc.
When should you see a Nutritionist?
People who have diseases like diabetes, hypertension etc. can greatly improve their condition by making the correct dietary choices. Lack of proper dietary considerations can end up harming them as well. Hence, they should a nutritionist to get a special diet plan (پرہیزی غذا).
Anyone with special dietary requirements such as pregnant women, growing children, the elderly should also visit food specialists as nutrition marks the space between their wellbeing and complications otherwise.
What are a Nutritionist’s main areas of concern?
Many nutritionists (ماہرغذا) work in hospitals, where they devise diet plans for patients and educate them regarding their eating habits. Not only do they have to consider patients’ condition when making diet plans, but also budgetary constraints. Nutritionists are responsible for keeping track of the patient's progress and changing the diet plan accordingly.
What are the most common nutritional deficiencies in Pakistan?
According to a study, the most common nutritional deficiencies in Pakistan include:
| Deficiency |
Percentage Of Patients |
| Anemia |
78% |
| Rickets |
36% |
| Vitamin A Deficiency |
14% |
| Zinc and B-Complex Deficiency |
28% |
How to become a Nutritionist in Pakistan?
In order to register as a dietician in Pakistan, one has to do their undergraduate in a dietetics program like a bachelor’s in human nutrition or home economics (but with specialization in food and nutrition). It is important to do it from an institute registered with the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society.
After graduation, one has to complete a 6-month internship or training in their respective field of interest i.e., clinical dietetics or public health nutrition. Once that is done, one then has to clear the registration exam with the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society. Upon successfully passing the exam, one becomes a certified nutritionist.
What kinds of Nutritionists are there?
There are many types of nutritionists:
- Clinical nutritionists: These experts work in the healthcare industry, where they offer dietary advice to the patients who either are admitted into the hospital or are out-patients. Apart from offering diet-therapy to the patients, they also prepare the treatment strategy for the patients by understanding their current condition and the subsequent nutritive interventions required.
- Community Nutritionists: This field entail handling public awareness campaigns and promoting the wellbeing of the community by improving their dietary habits. They help design programs that target the needs of specific segments of the society, like children, elderly etc.
- Gerontological nutritionists: Aging is a ruthless process. Not only is the body less able to handle the food consumed, but the different ailments, courtesy of old age, also make things off limits for the older people. Gerontological nutritionists exclusively cater the problems affecting the older population.
- Pediatric nutritionists: Development of children and their dietary habits has a significant linkage. If not catered well to, child may have to face problems later on in life alongside development issues. Adolescents especially have different nutrition requirements due to the growth spurt. Pediatric nutritionists counsel the parents about the healthy dietary opportunities that should be taken up.
- Renal Nutritionists: With right nutrition, the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease can be delayed, thereby significantly improving the symptoms in the patients. Renal nutritionists are experts that teach patients about dietary habits that are conducive to their health.
- Sports nutritionists: A competitive and lucrative industry, sports is a highly demanding field. Athletes need to stay in shape and maintain a certain body type that helps them perform better. Sports nutritionists help the athletes make sound and informed dietary choices.
What are Nutritionists in Pakistan called?
- Dietician
- Weight Loss Counselor
- Food Specialist
- Mahir-e-ghiza
- ماہرغذا
- ماہرغذائیت
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