About the profession
The questions below are the ones we hear most from practitioners, students, companies and the public. Each answer is short; follow the links for the full guide. If your question is not here, ask us.
The profession is growing and changing quickly. The International Confederation of Dietetic Associations represents 200,000 dietitian-nutritionists through 50 national associations[1], and in the United States employment is projected to grow 8% between 2025 and 2035, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]. At the same time, medicines for obesity, digital health and global supplement markets are reshaping how and where nutrition professionals work.
About the industry
The dietary supplements market was valued at US$209.5 billion in 2025[3], weight management at US$190.6 billion[4] and clinical nutrition at US$63.7 billion[5]. Read the industry outlook for forecasts to 2035 and what drives them.
About this site
DieticiansWorldwide.com publishes free information; DietitiansWorldwide.com hosts profiles, memberships and leads. Every figure on this site links to its publisher; see sources. Read about us and our editorial standards, try the free nutrition tools, or get the monthly newsletter for new data as it is published.
Frequently asked questions
What does a dietitian do?
A dietitian assesses nutrition needs, diagnoses nutrition problems and plans and monitors nutrition care for individuals, groups and populations, in hospitals, the community, private practice, sport, industry and research. In most countries the title is protected by law.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A dietitian holds a regulated title in most countries, earned through an accredited degree, supervised practice and registration. "Nutritionist" is unregulated in many countries, so qualifications vary. Read dietitian vs nutritionist.
How do I become a dietitian?
Complete an accredited dietetics degree with supervised practice, pass any national exam and register with the regulator. In the US, new exam candidates also need a graduate degree. See how to become a dietitian.
How much do dietitians earn?
In the United States, the median annual wage was $76,400 in May 2025[2]. Elsewhere pay follows national scales and depends on setting and specialism. See the jobs outlook.
Is there demand for dietitians?
Yes. The US projects 8% job growth from 2025 to 2035 with about 5,700 openings a year[2], and registers are growing in the UK, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
Can I work as a dietitian in another country?
Usually yes, through the destination regulator's international route: credential assessment, possibly exams or supervised practice, and a language test. Each country page names the regulator.
How many people have obesity worldwide?
The World Health Organization reports 940 million adults living with obesity in 2024, out of 2.6 billion adults living with overweight[6].
Do GLP-1 weight-loss medicines make dietitians less necessary?
No. People on these medicines need help with protein, micronutrients, fibre, side effects, muscle preservation and maintenance. See weight management.
Are supplements regulated?
Yes, differently in each country: as foods in the US and EU, as natural health products in Canada, as complementary medicines in Australia and as functional foods with approved or notified claims in Japan, Korea and China. See supplements.
How many people take supplements?
In the US, three-quarters of adults take dietary supplements, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's 2024 survey[7].
How do I find a supplement manufacturer?
Start with the supplier directory, its checklist for choosing a manufacturer, and the trade shows on the events calendar.
What are the biggest nutrition trade shows?
SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona, Vitafoods Asia, Fi Europe and Gulfood in Dubai. See the events calendar for dates.
How do I list my practice, association or company?
Pick a level on the membership page. Each button opens the matching sign-up form on DietitiansWorldwide.com.
Is this site medical advice?
No. It is general information. For personal advice, see a registered dietitian or doctor; find one in our directory.
Can I install DieticiansWorldwide.com as an app?
Yes. Use "Get the app" in the hero or "Install the app" in the footer. On iPhone, tap Share in Safari and choose "Add to Home Screen".
Sources and citations
Every figure on this page was read on the publisher's own page. Where a country or body does not publish a figure we say so instead of estimating.
- International Confederation of Dietetic Associations, Who we are (2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dietitians and Nutritionists (updated 27 Aug 2026)
- Grand View Research, Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Report (Jun 2026, updated Sep 2026)
- Grand View Research, Weight Management Market Size, Share & Trends Report (Jun 2026)
- Global Market Insights, Clinical Nutrition Market Size (Sep 2025)
- World Health Organization, Obesity and overweight: fact sheet (7 Oct 2026)
- Council for Responsible Nutrition, CRN survey shows consistent supplement usage (29 Oct 2024)
