A dietitian is a professional in the field of nutrition who helps people develop and maintain healthy eating habits. The main duties and responsibilities of a dietitian include:

1. Nutrition counselling: Dietitians advise clients on healthy eating, weight management and special dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerances or certain medical conditions).
2. Creating personalised nutrition plans: They develop customised nutrition plans based on the client’s individual needs, goals and health conditions.
3. Nutritional analysis: Dietitians analyse their clients’ eating habits to identify strengths and weaknesses and make suggestions for improvement.
4. Education and training: They educate clients about the importance of a balanced diet, nutrients and their function in the body, as well as healthy cooking methods and eating habits.
5. Group education: Dietitians often conduct group sessions or workshops to educate broader populations about healthy eating.
6. Collaboration with other professionals: They often work with doctors, therapists, nurses and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care for their clients.
7. Monitoring progress: Dietitians track their clients’ progress, adjust diet plans as needed and provide support to ensure clients reach their goals.
8. Behavioural therapy: They may also use behavioural therapy techniques to help clients make long-term changes to their eating habits.
9. Nutrition research: Some dietitians are involved in research to gain new insights into nutrition, health and disease prevention.
10. Documentation: They keep records of the counselling sessions, the diet plans created and the progress of the clients.

Dietitians play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases and help to promote people’s general well-being and health. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools, gyms and private practices.