The dietitian is a professional in the medical sector. Unlike a nutritionist, he is not a doctor. For this reason, moreover, consultations with a dietitian are not covered by health insurance.

Note also that the dietitian plays the role of food re-educator, helping those who consult him to find or regain a good nutritional balance.

The dietitian is a food specialist:

• it provides nutritional advice;
• he participates in the education and nutritional rehabilitation of patients with metabolism and eating disorders, by establishing a personalized dietary assessment1.

He strives to offer his patients tailor-made menus, favoring a balanced and varied diet. It takes into account the vital needs (in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins, etc.), the condition of the patient, his physiological need but also his habits.

Thus it can offer various types of diet:

• without salt ;
• gluten free ;
• without too much fat, etc.

And can accommodate various types of people:

• diabetic;
• pregnant woman ;
• athletic ;
• suffering from cardiovascular disease;
• having a food intolerance or allergy;
• and of course needing to lose or gain weight.

Note that the dietitian can work as an employee (for example in a health establishment) or as a liberal.

The profession of dietitian is recent, but in full expansion. It was in Canada that it first appeared, at the very beginning of the XNUMXth century.2. In France, the researcher in biology Lucie Randoin drew up the first laws of dietetics in 1935, before creating in 1945 “specialists in rational diet”. It was not until 1952 that the first dietetic service opened its doors in Marseille.

Historically, the profession of dietitian is female and it still is! There are in fact more than 94% of women working in the profession.3. Over 60% of practicing dietitians are under 404.

On January 2016, 10, there were 796 dieticians in France5. This is an increase of more than 8% compared to 2015.

The dietitian addresses people with a disease or healthy people and first establishes a personalized dietary assessment. From this, he offers varied and balanced menus taking into account the desires and needs of his patients:

• he calculates the necessary food doses;
• he organizes diets to gain or lose weight;
• he sets up specific menus according to the pathologies of his patients.

The dietitian accompanies his patient throughout his journey, ensuring follow-up, and possibly adjusting the menu initially proposed. He is at the same time a therapist, an educator, a counselor but also an organizer of catering.

Losing weight is hard work. You have to be motivated, persevere and follow well until you reach the desired weight. Throughout the course, the dietitian provides physical and psychological support to his patient and can adapt the menus offered as needed.

Thanks to his specific knowledge in nutrition and his therapeutic and educational support, he is an undeniable asset when it comes to losing weight.

To become a dietitian, you must follow and obtain a BTS (Brevet de technicien supérieur) or a DUT (University diploma in technology) in dietetics. These training courses are open to people with their baccalaureate, preferably in a scientific field.

After these two years of post-baccalaureate studies, the student may, if he wishes, continue with a professional license.