Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health. Inappropriate eating habits can lead to many major diseases. The quality of life depends on the quality of food we eat. Dieticians or nutritionists help to promote good health through corrective eating habits, thus improving the quality of life. They assist people in planning meals depending upon their age, sickness or work routine, counsel and educate them about healthy eating- selection and preparation of food items according to the principles of nutrition and evaluate and make changes in their clients diet periodically

The 2009 survey published today, shows that 67% of people are now aware that we should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, up from 43% in 2000. Today people have become increasingly health conscious and particular about what they eat and consume. Therefore there is a huge demand for nutritionists and dietitians in India. They advise people on eating schedule, routine exercise, avoid drinking alcohol, give up smoking getting up early in the morning ad having a good rest and sleep.
Nutritionist and Dieticians could find employment in hospitals, health and creation clubs, canteens, nursing care facilities, teachers in Universities, catering departments of star hotels, research labs of food manufactures, in health departments of Government etc. They can also work as consultants in private practice. They could also find opening in Mass Media where top priority is given to propagating vital information on healthy living. The main field in which a dietician or nutritionists can work is in food Service field, Institutional catering, health care, research and development and social welfare. Food Service field include food catering service, restaurants etc where professionals can do menu planning, monitoring the food preparation etc.

Some dieticians and Nutritionists can work in the field of Institutional catering. They plan, supervise and prepare nutritious and well balanced meals for schools, colleges, factories or office cafeterias etc.

There is also a lot of scope in the Administrative or Management sections. Their work involves estimation and purchase of food supplies and equipment, receiving, checking and taking inventories of provision etc. Some professionals are also working as Clinical or Therapeutic dietician or Nutritionists.
They have to prepare diet charts and monitor the results of dietary therapy and maintain records. Research and Development is also another branch of Dietetics and Nutritionists. This involves conducting research on various food items to ensure their quality as well as studying the effects on the body in the chemistry lab.

Organizations involved in food product manufacture use the services of the nutritionists or dietician to plan and research new products as well as to check the nutritional quality of their products. Research careers occur mainly in universities, specialist institutions, food product manufacturing companies and hospitals. Nutrition and dietetics professionals also work for social welfare like public health departments run by the Government where eating habits are consequently under supervision and improvised and hence improving the health of the public.

A good dietician or nutritionist should have an interest in food and food preparation. Good communication skills, good writing skills. They also have to be patient and have genuine concern for fellow beings. They should have planning and administrative skills and organizational ability. They need to be fit and healthy and able to work as a team member.

Dietician should have interest in sound diet, an aptitude for science, organizing ability, ability for teamwork, patience, a sense of responsibility, understanding of people of all ages, backgrounds, Good writing skills are also an advantage, as dieticians produce leaflets, articles and teaching packs as well as writing reports and letters, and ability to express oneself lucidly would be important for aspiring dieticians.

Food Service Managers : Food service managers are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers.

Dietetic Technicians: They assist dieticians in the provision of food service and nutritional programs. Under the supervision of dieticians, dietetic technicians may plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.

Registered Nurses: Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation

Job opportunities for nutritionists and dietitians are expected to increase during the next 10 years. Job growth will result from an increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits.
A growing and aging population will boost demand for nutritional counseling and treatment in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies. Public interest in nutrition, increased emphasis on health education, and prudent lifestyles also will spur demand, especially in food service management. Finally, with increased public awareness of obesity and diabetes, there is a great need for dietitians and nutritionists specializing in those diseases.