Dietetics

Dietetics is a field that applies the science of nutrition and human diet to treat diseases and promote health. Dietitians require the completion of an accredited degree and training and are formally recognised as medical professionals. In Malaysia, dietitian is a regulated profession and all dietitians are required to be licensed and registered with the Malaysians Allied Health Professions Council. Dietitians are employed in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, health and wellness centres, food and beverage companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Dietitians utilise evidence-based approach to promote health and diagnose and treat illnesses. You may be required to or benefit from seeing a dietitian if you are looking to gain or lose weight, have an eating disorder, diagnosed with a chronic disease like diabetes which can be improved with a change in diet, have a food allergy, or concerned if your current dietary habits meet your nutritional requirements. Besides treating nutrition-related conditions, dietitians also play a significant aspect in the rehabilitation of patients during their hospitalisation. For example, dietitians are involved in the planning of individualised menus based on the advice for the patient’s doctor, providing support for non-oral feedings, and liaising with food suppliers to improve the quality of prepared foods.

Outside of a clinical setting, dietitians may also promote public awareness for proper nutritional standards and habits, educating the masses on interpreting food labels, and creating meal plans in schools and food corporations. In short, dietitians provide therapy in the form of medical nutrition by translating scientific information on health, diseases, and nutrition to create goals or treatment plans to help individuals meet their nutritional requirements. In a typical dietetics’ appointment, your dietitian may assess your diet which includes all your food, beverage, medication, and supplements to obtain an overall understanding of your nutritional pattern and needs.