The importance of proper nutrition has never been more apparent in our society. Although health and fitness has increased in popularity over the last decade, we have more personal trainers than ever and our knowledge of nutrition has increased, there’s still a lot of work to be done to create a truly healthy society. Between 1993 and 2019 adult obesity in the UK rose from 14.9% to 28%. Over the same timeframe, the number of overweight or obese adults increased from 52.9% to 64.3%.

Even worse, new research from the National Institute for Health and Care Research shows that childhood obesity increased significantly during the pandemic. The result is that tens of thousands of primary school aged children are living with obesity, which may cause lifelong health consequences.

All of this means that as a country we need nutritionists. But what is a nutritionist? It’s likely that their role is only going to become more important in the coming years, so this is crucial to know. What does the job of a nutritionist entail and what qualifications do you need? We’ll answer all of those points and more in this look at what a nutritionist is.  

Quick answer: What is a nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a professional who specialises in the study of nutrition and its effects on human health. These experts use their knowledge to help individuals, and sometimes wider communities, make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. 

Nutritionists focus on promoting general wellness and preventative health strategies through dietary interventions.

It’s important to note that in the UK, the title ‘nutritionist’ is not protected by law. This is unlike the term ‘dietitian’. This means that whilst many nutritionists have relevant qualifications and expertise, it’s crucial to verify their credentials when seeking professional advice. This may be by way of accredited courses, such as the Royal Society for Public Health as The Fitness Group’s courses are, or membership to national regulatory bodies such as Association for Nutrition (AfN).

Main responsibilities of a nutritionist

The day-to-day work of a nutritionist involves a blend of science, education and personal skills. A nutritionist’s work can vary greatly depending on their specific role and setting, but all nutritionists share a common goal: to promote health and well-being through optimal nutrition. 

Let’s take a look at some of the main responsibilities that form the core of a nutritionist’s work:

1. Providing evidence-based dietary advice – Nutritionists offer guidance on healthy eating habits, considering individual lifestyles, preferences and health goals.
2. Creating personalised nutrition plans – They develop tailored meal plans for clients, addressing specific needs such as weight management or performance enhancement.
3. Conducting nutritional assessments – Analysing clients’ current dietary habits and nutritional intake to identify areas for improvement.
4. Education – Delivering workshops, creating educational materials and being active on social media.
5. Collaborating with healthcare professionals – Working alongside doctors, fitness trainers and other health practitioners to provide comprehensive care.
6. Staying current with research – Continuously updating their knowledge based on the latest nutritional science findings.
7. Liaising with clients – Building relationships with clients, understanding their needs and providing ongoing support and motivation for dietary changes.
8. Monitoring and evaluating progress – Regularly assessing the effectiveness of nutrition plans and making adjustments as needed. Analysis is key here.
9. Advocating for nutrition-related policies – Some nutritionists work to influence public health policies and promote nutritional awareness at a broader level.

The skills it takes to be a good nutritionist

Although there is a wide-breadth of skills that make a good nutritionist, success largely requires a combination of scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills. Here are some of the key skills to have as a nutritionist:

• Strong scientific understanding of biology, chemistry and human physiology
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex concepts simply
• Analytical thinking to interpret and apply nutritional research
• Critical thinking skills to evaluate scientific studies and nutrition claims
• Empathy and patience when working with clients

• Cultural awareness to respect diverse dietary practices
• Adaptability to keep up with evolving nutritional science
• Motivational skills to encourage clients to stick to their nutrition plans
• Time management and organisational skills to handle multiple clients
• Creativity in developing meal plans and nutrition education materials
• Business acumen, especially for those in private practice
• Presentation skills for conducting workshops and seminars
• Collaborative abilities to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

What qualifications do you need to be a nutritionist?

There are several pathways to becoming a nutritionist. For many this involves formal higher education courses but it’s by no means the only way to become a nutritionist. 

Below are the main entry pathways into the world of nutrition. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree – Many nutritionists start with a BSc in Nutrition, Food Science or a related field. These programmes usually take 3-4 years to complete and provide a comprehensive foundation in nutritional science. Courses often include subjects like human physiology, biochemistry, food chemistry and public health nutrition. A degree will give you access to entry level jobs. 
2. Postgraduate Studies – Some nutritionists pursue master’s degrees or PhDs, particularly if interested in research or academic careers. This can be straight after an undergraduate degree or at some point further down the line. These advanced degrees can also lead to more specialised roles or higher-level positions. 
3. Nutritionist Courses – For those looking for a quicker entry into the field or to supplement existing qualifications, vocational nutrition courses can be an excellent option. These courses are more focused on practical skills with good levels of knowledge that can be completed in a shorter timeframe. They’re particularly useful for career changers looking for a faster route into nutrition and fitness professionals wanting to add nutrition expertise to their skillset. These courses are also a fraction of the cost of a university degree.

Career prospects of a nutritionist

From corporate to clinical and public health, there are many routes you can take once you are a qualified nutritionist. Some paths require further specialist qualifications whereas others can be gained through the right experience. 

Some popular areas and work settings include:

• Private clinics offering individual consultations on anything from lowering cholesterol to improving gut health
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Corporate environments developing employee wellness programmes
• Food industry and sports nutrition advising on product development
• For sports teams and athletes
• Fitness centres and gyms

It’s possible for nutritionists to be full-time employed by business, part-time employed or self-employed – it could be a great business from home idea. This is certainly a flexible career pathway. It’s important to remember that nutritionists are different from dieticians. Learn more on dieticians vs nutritionists here. 

How much do nutritionists get paid?

Like a lot of jobs, earnings for nutritionists can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location and sector.

Whilst you’re figuring out what is a nutritionist, here’s a general guide on nutritionist salaries and how much qualified nutritionists get paid:

• Entry-level nutritionists might expect to earn between £20,000 and £25,000 per year.
• With experience, mid-level nutritionists can earn between £25,000 – £35,000.
• Senior nutritionists or those in specialist roles can earn £35,000 – £55,000 or more.

Earnings can be much higher than this still. For example, if you’re head of a major public health department or head of nutrition at a big organisation. Self-employed nutritionists have the potential to earn higher amounts, particularly if they build a successful private practice, but this comes with the challenges of running a business.

Becoming a nutritionist is an interesting area with lots of good job prospects.

Advantages and challenges of being a nutritionist

Like any career, being a nutritionist comes with its own set of pros and cons:

Looking to start your journey as a nutritionist?

And there you have it on what is a nutritionist. If you’re inspired to become a professional nutritionist, The Fitness Group offers a range of nutrition courses to help you get started. Our programmes cater to various levels and interests, providing the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the field of nutrition. 

Our courses include:

• Level 3 Nutrition for Sport and Exercise – requires a level 3 personal trainer qualification. This course is also accredited by CIMSPA.
• Level 4 Diploma in Nutrition – no entry level requirements
• Level 4 Diploma in Nutrition for Physical Activity and Sport

All of our Level 4 nutrition courses are fully accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health and the Association for Nutrition. This could be your chance to take the first step towards an exciting career in nutrition.