Dieticians apply the science of nutrition to plan meals for patients. They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits, evaluating clients’ diets and suggesting changes.

Knowledge of nutritional needs for every stage of human growth and development, as well as for the treatment of illnesses, is important to plan proper diets for the patients. Calculating nutritional needs based on the age, height and weight of a patient is necessary to prescribe the correct amount of food.

Dieticians also educate patients so they will know what to eat when they leave the hospital.

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Images courtesy of the Wellcome Trust