Summary
What is the role of the nutritionist?
Transmit good eating habits
In France, the nutritionist takes care of children and adults suffering, among other things, from being overweight.
It also supports people with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
Long-term support
The first consultation makes it possible to identify the patient’s lifestyle and to establish a new diet. The following sessions provide regular monitoring for a few months or several years.
The nutritionist must often help his patient to lose weight, but also to feel good about himself.
An essential doctor in poor countries
If you prefer to work abroad, note that the nutritionist is finally useful in the context of humanitarian missions. It acts urgently to “re-educate” the most vulnerable to food, distribute dry rations and transmit new nutritional reflexes to the population.
How much does a nutritionist earn?
A novice nutritionist earns a minimum of €1,800 gross monthly. Then, depending on whether he works in the hospital or as a liberal, his income varies significantly.
Many doctors combine the 2: private practice to have significant income, hospital practice to stay in contact with the research community.
What are the prospects for the profession of nutritionist?
Food, a growing problem in our societies
The phenomenon of obesity is worrying, but there are also eating disorders associated with psychological discomfort. The profession of nutritionist is therefore increasingly popular with individuals.
Nutrition interests the food industry
The nutritionist is also popular in agri-food companies. He then takes on an advisory role with regard to the formulation of products in order to meet the nutritional needs of the population, in accordance with the legislation.
Nutritionists and cancer care
Finally, it should be noted that the government has implemented, within the framework of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS), measures encouraging the intervention of a nutritionist during the therapeutic management of patients suffering from cancer, in hospital or at home.
How to become a nutritionist?
Medecine University
To practice the profession of nutritionist, medical school is a must. Count between 8 and 12 years of study, depending on the specialization followed.
Years of specialization
After obtaining a DES (diploma of specialized studies), you have the choice between 2 courses: the DU (university diploma) or the DESC (diploma of complementary specialized studies).
The DU has different research specialties depending on the university, such as food hygiene or childhood obesity.
As for the DESC, a more complete training, you must be a medical intern to be able to register for it.
What qualities are needed to become a nutritionist?
Given their initial training, the nutritionist must have a solid knowledge of science.
Whatever the field of practice, good interpersonal skills and psychology are appreciated.
Content updated on 07/08/2012
Our tips:
Unlike the nutritionist, the dietitian is not a doctor. Not being a specialist in pathologies, he devotes his consultations only to food.