Where is the growing interest in dietetics coming from? What can you learn from studying this subject? What are the career opportunities for dietitians? We ask Dr Ewelina Szkutnicka, a clinical dietitian and psychodietitian, about all this.
More and more people are interested in a healthy lifestyle. What is the reason for this growing interest?
– The growing public awareness of health and nutrition is leading to the growing interest in dietetics. People are beginning to realise that a healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial to their wellbeing. Knowledge of nutritional principles, medical basics and healthy lifestyles motivates people to study and work in the field of dietetics.
You may read online that a caloric deficit – a state in which the body burns more calories than it takes in from food – consists of 70% diet and 30% exercise. Is this true?
– There is no definitive answer to this question. The proportions can vary depending on the individual’s state of health. The knowledge gained from studying dietetics allows an individual approach to each case, which is crucial for effective dietetic counselling.
What else can you learn and find out by studying dietetics?
– Dietetics is a broad science that includes human physiology and anatomy, ethics, and aspects of physical education and psychology. This study prepares you to work with patients by considering both the medical and psychological aspects of health and nutrition.
Who is this degree course in dietetics for? Who will find themselves in this field of study?
– A person studying dietetics should want to help other people, be empathetic and have an interest in medical science. A dietitian must be ready to continuously expand their knowledge and skills in order to effectively advise and support their patients.
And what are the career options afterwards?
– Dietitians can work in a variety of areas, such as clinical dietitian in hospitals and nursing homes, or you can work in the wellness and spa area, helping with weight loss and wellbeing. You can also choose to work in research and teaching at medical schools.
In what situation is it best to see a dietitian?
– It is advisable to see a dietitian in several situations. First of all, when we have health problems detected during examinations, such as elevated sugar or insulin levels, also when we have aesthetic problems with body weight, morbid obesity, as well as coexisting disease entities such as SIBO, coeliac disease or diabetes.
How can a dietitian help with disease entities such as SIBO, coeliac disease or diabetes?
– He or she can introduce an appropriate diet, which is often a key part of treatment. In many cases, the right diet can significantly improve a patient’s health and can be effective on its own or as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy.
Suppose I want to lose weight. Should I see a dietitian or buy a training package from a personal trainer?
– First of all, it is advisable to check your health to rule out possible health problems. After basic examinations, if the problem is due to poor nutrition or lack of physical activity, you can consult a dietitian. The dietician will help to develop a nutrition plan and advise on physical activity.
And what do you think about short-term diets such as fat, protein and carbohydrate diets?
– The most important thing is common sense and a rational approach to nutrition. Radical diets usually have no lasting effect and can be harmful. A knowledgeable dietician can help you compose a healthy and balanced eating plan.
We live in times of widespread access to the Internet, which many people treat as a source of basic information. How can you avoid making a mistake and not harming yourself by taking advice from so-called nutrition experts, of which there are plenty on social media?
– It is worth asking about the qualifications of the person giving the advice. It is important that the dietician has a degree in this field, and not just courses. Only then can we be sure that his or her advice is based on sound knowledge.
Interviewed by Edyta Pać
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We would like to remind you that Vincent Pol University is recruiting for 2024/2025 studies in the field of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. These are first and second degree studies. You are welcome!
Vincent Pol University
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phone no. +48 81 740 25 04
whatsapp no. +48 721 701 703
e-mail: infoenglish@pol.edu.pl