Article
NHS Nutritionist Role
This article explains the role of a Nutritionist and gives some examples of working within the NHS, as well as the qualifications required.
See more 👉
Nutritionist
The food we put into our bodies is one of the hottest topics of debate in the world. With 64% of UK adults overweight or obese but 9.2% of the worldwide population level malnourished, what we eat and how we eat it is a subject of extremes.
As a nutritionist, your career path could take you almost anywhere; helping the national health service boost public health & nutrition, combating malnutrition in underdeveloped countries, delving into food science or helping top-tier athletes optimise performance at the top of their game. With farming practices linked to climate change, it's no exaggeration that nutritionists could literally save the world!
If you have an interest in nutrition science, sports and exercise or good health worldwide, a nutritionist career could be incredibly exciting. It can be fulfilling at any level - whether offering nutritional advice to combat weight management in individuals and groups, to shaping policy within the food industry to prevent disease.
Summary
Nutritionists and other health professionals not only hold a fascinating position, based on scientific knowledge of health - they also have a chance to change lives.
There are a variety of directions you can take this role. Perhaps it will be helping individuals and communities make better dietary choices to support overall well-being and manage health conditions. You could focus on public health nutrition, working for a professional body such as the NHS or government to help people improve their lives at a higher level. Or you could end up as a nutritional therapist, mentoring athletes who must perform under incredible pressure at the highest level.
To enter into this career requires a strong understanding of nutrition science, which (in most cases) will be gained through a nutrition degree. Whilst the title of a Nutritionist is not protected by law (meaning anyone can call themselves this), most employers will only consider recruiting registered nutritionists.
In the UK, the Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) distinguishes registered nutritionists with sufficient nutritional knowledge. If you think this exciting career is for you then understanding the registration requirements is an advisable first step!
If you are considering the career, the most important thing is that you have a lively interest in nutrition science and health promotion. The role is scientific at it's core - nutrition scientists and nutritional therapists alike must commit to continuing professional development throughout their career.
The career is varied - some in the private sectors may have sociable client interaction, whilst others working for public health services or local authorities may focus more on research and academia. Nearly all work will involve complexity and the chance to make an impact for those who are successful.
Responsibilities
A nutritionist has an important role in keeping people healthy and advising them on many aspects of food and nutrition. The following responsibilities may be relevant, but as a broad career there is plenty of variation between different roles.
Analysing Diets. Nutritional Therapists evaluate a range of peoples' health as well as dietary habits and lifestyle to identify nutritional needs. This would involve you analysing medical histories and reviewing food diaries to determine deficiencies or excesses in diet, and giving each client detailed care and attention.
Educating People. Nutritionists teach clients about diets, healthy eating habits, portion control, and the importance of various nutrients. Nutritionists teach clients about diets, healthy eating habits, portion control, and the importance of various nutrients. You would use nutritional information to explain how specific foods affect health so that people make better decisions about food and drink, avoiding negative impacts such as heart disease down the line.
Working With Other Healthcare Staff. Expect to work alongside doctors, nurses, and therapists to support patients holistically to treat medical conditions. This could, for example, involve helping somebody to recover after an illness; collaboration ensures dietary recommendations align with medical treatments and improve health outcomes.
Facilitating Development Projects. You may find a position for a global organisation (such as UNICEF) working to improve nutrition policies, facilitate emergency relief and prevent disease in low income countries.
Working With Athletes. Whether it is in a gym or fitness centre, or working alongside the England football squad, sports and exercise nutrition helps athletes maximise their human physiology, train and perform at their peak and enhance recovery.
Key skills & traits
If you are thinking of becoming a nutritionist, here are some of the skills that are necessary to get the best out of your career.
Nutritional Science Knowledge
A deep understanding of macronutrients, micronutrients, metabolism, and dietary needs helps nutritionists design effective meal plans. This knowledge allows nutritionists to address specific health conditions through tailored dietary strategies.
Time Management
Balancing multiple clients, preparing plans, and staying updated on research requires effective time management to deliver high-quality care consistently.
Meal Planning
The ability to create balanced and personalised meal plans based on individual goals as well as medical needs is essential for promoting long-term health improvement.
Communication
Delivering workshops / one-on-one sessions, presenting findings and relaying practical experience requires clear communication - the ability to break down complex nutritional concepts for many audiences and help people to understand what is needed of them.
Collaborative Working
Working with other healthcare professionals ensures nutrition strategies align with medical treatments, emphasising a holistic approach to patient care.
Empathy
This job is about people and their health. Understanding clients’ challenges and demonstrating compassion fosters trust and encourages open communication, helping clients feel supported in their health journey.
Attention to Detail
Accurate assessments of food intake, health records, and nutritional needs are crucial for creating effective and safe meal plans. Details are always important when it comes to peoples’ health.
Data Analysis
Nutritionists may analyse things like lab results, dietary logs, and health metrics to evaluate nutritional status as well as find triggers or deficiencies.
Education & qualifications
Technically, anyone can call themself a nutritionist - the title isn't protected. However, most professional nutritionists are listed on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists which only lists nutritionists with rigorously applied training and competence, who meet professional practice criteria.
Lifestyle
If you are looking for a role that is normally a 9-5 and involves working closely with people, then becoming a Nutritionist may be a good choice. The role may involve working in the community or even within doctor’s surgeries and hospitals.
40%
Remote SuitedMost nutritionists still work face-to-face with clients, but there are more roles becoming remote to suit a more modern lifestyle.
60%
StressfulIf you become a nutritionist, you will be dealing with peoples’ health, which does involve some stress. Generally, the role involves helping people and can be more rewarding than stressful.
70%
Work Life BlanceNutritionists usually work a 40 hour work week but may have some flexibility to manage their diary, especially when self-employed.
If you are interested in helping people and have good social skills this role is likely to be enjoyable and offer a lot of rewards.
40/hrs
WeeklyOrdinarily, people work between 37 and 40 hours a week at this role. The self-employed will have more control over this. There may also be part-time nutritionist roles out there.
Salary data
The salary varies depending on seniority and experience. Many people are also self-employed as Nutritionists meaning they may have control over their hourly or daily rates.
£30,000
Entry
£40,000
Average
£53,000
Senior
Career path
There are numerous paths this career can take, and many options for advancement in the industry, including senior nutritional roles within the NHS and private healthcare, as well as specialist roles like Sports Nutritionist.
Junior Nutritionist / Nutrition Assistant
Assisting as part of a bigger team advising people about nutrition within the community or in the NHS, usually working under a manager, this role may include tracking data and supporting people in a one-to-one environment.
Nutritionist
After a period of training, there is a strong chance that people will work independently within the community or even as self-employed nutritionists. This role will mean taking control of a case and working directly with people to help improve their diet.
Specialist
A specialist Nutritionist might work in a specific area such as rehabilitation or sports nutrition. Building knowledge in a niche area is a good way to differentiate from other Nutritionists. This may lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for progression.
Becoming a Nutritionist requires specialism, so people working in the field need to have the right qualifications before landing a junior role. The UK’s biggest employer, the NHS, employs Nutritionists, and this means you’ll have the option to work in the public sector if you become a Nutritionist. There may also be opportunities to move to more senior positions or lead a team of Nutritionists.
Similar careers that Nutritionists may move into include becoming a Dietician, or working in the Food and Beverage industry in research or even meal planning.
There are opportunities for Nutritionists and Dieticians to do freelance or contract work or set themselves up as a business, providing services to individuals, businesses, and even sports teams. If you choose to work as a freelancer, you can manage your own diary and set your own hours.
Similar careers that Nutritionists may move into include becoming a Dietician, or working in the Food and Beverage industry in research or even meal planning.
There are opportunities for Nutritionists and Dieticians to do freelance or contract work or set themselves up as a business, providing services to individuals, businesses, and even sports teams. If you choose to work as a freelancer, you can manage your own diary and set your own hours.
History of the profession
Approximately two million years ago, Homo Erectus (an entirely different and now extinct species) discovered fire. With that came the ability to cook food, thus extracting more nutritional value more efficiently than any other species - and changing the course of history forever.
This was the beginning of a principle that is understood throughout nature, but most-of-all by humans; that what we put into our body really matters. Since then the field of nutrition has become almost unimaginably complex, and is still as hotly debated today as it was thousands of years ago.
This was the beginning of a principle that is understood throughout nature, but most-of-all by humans; that what we put into our body really matters. Since then the field of nutrition has become almost unimaginably complex, and is still as hotly debated today as it was thousands of years ago.
Reviews
Hearing about nutritionists work from other professionals may help you to decide whether to pursue this as a career.
Nutritional Therapist
Beverly
I work in my local community as a nutritionist. It suits me down to the ground as I like working with people and have always been a bit of a fitness fanatic as well as being interested in food and nutrition. I get to work with families and every day has something different.
💰£31,000Annual
salary
salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️30%Remote suited
🤷♀️20%Stressful
⚖️90%Work life balance
Sports Nutritionist
Robert
I work with a top level sports team most of the week, and then have some private clients I work with on the side. At the elite level, marginal gains make all the difference, and I love seeing the athletes I work with progress in their careers. I work with a close team of fitness coaches and chefs.
💰£45,000Annual
salary
salary
💼38Weekly hours
🏝️10%Remote suited
🤷♀️50%Stressful
⚖️90%Work life balance
Public Health Nutritionist
John
When it comes to public health, England's NHS still leads the way despite politicians best attempts. Nutritional therapists play an important role in the diet and health of our country. Nutritionists' work helps prevent medical conditions, shapes policy and affects peoples lives on a day to day basis. I am proud to work as a nutritionist for our country and know that I am helping individuals and groups each time I come to work.
💰£40,000Annual
salary
salary
💼45Weekly hours
🏝️10%Remote suited
🤷♀️30%Stressful
⚖️70%Work life balance
Similar careers
The following careers may work closely with Nutritionists, and may even be progression routes or alternative careers.
Resources
Interested in what working as a Nutritionist involves, or how to become a Nutritionist? We’ve collected some excellent resources for you to explore.
Video
A Day in the Life of a Nutritionist
An excellent video examining a day in the life of a Nutritionist working in the agri-food industry, including working in a development kitchen on specific recipes.
See more 👉
Video
NHS Recruitment Video
This NHS recruitment video shows a little about working in the NHS and what employers may be looking for when working in Nutrition or Dietetics.
See more 👉
Course
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health
This fully-funded basic course in Understanding Nutrition and Health can build a base knowledge and let you explore whether this career is for you.
See more 👉
Article
AfN Recommended Courses for Nurtitionists
The Association for Nutrition provides advice on the courses that can prepare you for a career as a Nutritionist, at varying levels, including distance learning options.
See more 👉
Article
How to Become a Nutritionist
A comprehensive guide to becoming a Nutritionist, and information on routes into the profession both with and without a degree.
See more 👉
Book
Nutritionist in Private Practice: Lessons Learned from My First Year in Business
A first-hand account of becoming a Nutritionist in Private Practice from Amy Hager RDN. It can be especially helpful for those who want to start their own business as it charts her first year offering her services.
See more 👉
Article
University Courses For Nutritionists
A full list of the Nutritionist courses available at UK universities including rankings and information on which courses may be most suitable.
See more 👉
Specialisms
A nutritionist can specialise in many different areas. Listed below are a few of the many different specialisations that you may choose to delve deeper into throughout the course of your career as a nutritionist.
Regulatory bodies
The UKVRN is the central regulatory body that Nutritionists should be aware of.