Dietitian

A dietitian (diëtist) is an expert in nutrition as it relates to health. There are many reasons to seek a dietitian's help. For example, for overweight, diabetes (suikerziekte), cardiovascular disease, or food allergies (voedselallergieën; hypersensitivity to certain nutrients).

What does a dietitian do?

A dietitian helps people improve their health through nutrition or diet advice. The dietitian looks at the current eating pattern and what improvements are possible to achieve the set goal. This advice is customized and therefore differs for everyone.

In addition, the dietitian provides guidance in adjusting the diet and maintaining those changes.

Dietitians can specialize further. For example, there are dietitians focused on athletes, children, people with allergies, and hospital patients.

What can you see a dietitian for?

A dietitian is not only for people who want to lose a few pounds. People with certain diseases, allergies, or athletes who want to improve their performance can also benefit. It is also advisable for people with bowel problems and chewing or swallowing difficulties to consult a dietitian.
In the cases below, a dietitian can help with nutrition advice:

• Overweight.
• Underweight.
• Patients who are (long-term) hospitalized, older adults, eating disorders.
• Food allergies. Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance; peanut allergy; cow's milk allergy, also known as lactose intolerance.
• Diabetes.
• Cardiovascular disease. For example, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels.
• Lung diseases such as COPD.
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Cancer.
• Chewing and swallowing problems.
• Pregnancy. Which nutrients to consume or avoid to maximize the chance of a healthy pregnancy.
• Improving sports performance. For example, by balancing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for more energy and better recovery after exercise.
• Other conditions or major surgeries in which nutrition plays a role in recovery.

Examination and treatment by the dietitian

At a first appointment, the dietitian will ask many questions about your symptoms, your current diet, and the goal you want to achieve. It is helpful to think about this in advance. You can expect questions like these:

• What is the reason for your visit?
• What do you typically eat and drink in a day?
• What goal do you want to achieve?
• What have you already tried yourself to get rid of the symptoms?
• How active are you in a day?
• Are there other physical or mental issues to consider?
• What symptoms do you have?
• Do you take medications?
• Are there certain foods you cannot or do not want to eat? For example, for religious reasons or because you prefer not to eat meat or other animal products?

Where does a dietitian work?

You can encounter dietitians in many places. In a dietitian's practice they see people during office hours. In hospitals or care facilities, the dietitian visits patients at the bedside and works together with physicians, nutrition assistants, and nurses. Food manufacturers and food service companies also often employ dietitians.