Dietetics is a three-year course of study at the higher education level. Based on their theoretical and practical education, dietitians are able both to treat patients suffering from various illnesses (e.g., diabetes, allergies, malnutrition, obesity) and to pursue an activity in health promotion and disease prevention.
In Austria, the profession of dietitians is regulated by the MTD Act (the federal law governing the medical-therapeutic-diagnostic healthcare professions) which defines the education, fields of activity, professional duties, and professional law aspects.
Nutrition consultants, trainers, and coaches generally complete a short training offered by various providers and can thus work in health provision. There is no uniform regulation or protected professional designation that applies. As a matter of principle, the personalised, individual counselling of persons is reserved to dietitians.