After these studies, you will find a job. There is a great demand for specialists
The demand for nutrition and dietetics experts is growing. What are the new trends in education and health prevention in Poland? Check how the development of nutrition science affects this.
Recent years have brought significant development in studies in the field of human nutrition and dietetics. With the growing public awareness of the impact of diet on health, the demand for specialists in these fields has also increased dynamically. Poles, who still value medical and dietary advice the most, expect experts to provide support not only in maintaining health, but also in the treatment of diet-related diseases. In addition, the importance of profiled nutrition, which adapts recommendations to the individual needs of the body, is growing.
Increased popularity of dietetics-related fields
As emphasized by prof. Ph.D. Krystyna Gutkowska from the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences at SGGW, interest in studies in the field of human nutrition and dietetics has increased significantly. What once seemed like a niche area is now attracting the attention of both students and the economic sector. Modern nutritional science examines the impact of food on the body at many levels – from the cellular to the population level. Increased public awareness of the connections between healthy eating and disease prevention translates into greater investments in health prevention and treatment of diseases resulting from an inappropriate diet.
The study “Healthy eating according to Poles 2024” shows that for most Poles, healthy eating is a key element of taking care of their health. About 80 percent respondents point out the benefits of eating more vegetables and fruit, avoiding processed food and limiting sugar. Although Poles look for information about a healthy diet from various sources, such as the Internet, friends or doctors, it is the experts – dietitians and doctors – who enjoy the greatest trust.
Diet and disease prevention
As noted by prof. Gutkowska, a properly balanced diet plays a key role not only in the treatment, but also in the prevention of diseases. Healthy eating is the foundation of prevention, especially in relation to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. According to data from the World Health Organization, following the rules of healthy eating could prevent up to 50%. cases of cancer. Preventive diets based on the principles of balanced nutrition are becoming more and more popular, and the role of dietitians in educating society is becoming invaluable.
WULS-SGGW has been playing a leading role in nutritional education in Poland for years, launching courses related to human nutrition in 1977. Nowadays, the university focuses on combining pedagogy with nutrition science, preparing teachers to conduct health education lessons in schools. Starting next year, this subject is to become compulsory in primary and secondary schools, covering issues such as mental and physical health, as well as healthy eating and health prevention.
As part of the development of nutrition sciences, SGGW is working on the creation of the Innovative Center for Nutrition Sciences, which is to become a center for educating specialists in the field of nutrition, dietetics and designing innovative food products. The center, financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, will respond to the growing market needs by offering modern methods of staff training for both the food industry and educational institutions. The center also aims to cooperate with other European countries, sharing Polish experience and knowledge in the field of nutrition.