Nutritionist’s job market: 80 years of history

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the increase in the number of nutritionists and the aspects of the job market in the last decade. Methods Critical test based on literature review and official data provided by nutrition councils and other entities. Results There was an average yearly increase of 8,248 nutritionists in the period from 2010 to 2017, having the largest contingent of professionals concentrated in the Brazilian Southeast region. In 2017 there were 126,539 nutritionists registered in the country’s ten regional councils, practically twice as much as in 2009 (60,554 nutritionists). Even though the last nationwide research on the profile of nutritionists was performed in 2006, the production of local studies showed that more than half of the professionals voluntarily continued their education after graduating. In 2018 the Federal Council of Nutritionists updated the areas of work with details divided in subareas, segments and subsegments. Public spaces for food security, primary health care and sports nutrition are examples of new fields for the nutritionist. In the period of analysis there was an increase of 58.9% of the wage floor, however, still below the national average and other health professionals, and with longer working hours. The current wage floor for nutritionists is R$2,558.05. Conclusion In addition to the increase in the number of professionals, there were adjustments in specific labor legislation, as well as geographical repositioning, diversification and expansion of the job market. It is necessary to move ahead, mainly in what concerns a more extended and holistic understanding of the profession.摘要 研究目的：剖析近十年来营养师（nutritionists）从业人员规模的增长态势与劳动力市场的多维特征。 研究方法：本研究采用批判性检验范式，基于文献综述及营养委员会与其他相关机构提供的官方数据开展分析。 研究结果：2010年至2017年间，该国营养师从业人员数量年均增长8248人，规模最大的从业者群体集中于巴西东南部地区。2017年，该国十大地区营养师委员会注册的营养师总数达126539人，几乎是2009年（60554人）的两倍。尽管上一次全国性营养师职业概况调研于2006年完成，但地方性研究成果显示，超半数从业人员在毕业后会自愿接受继续教育。2018年，巴西联邦营养师委员会（Federal Council of Nutritionists）更新了职业工作领域，将其细分为大类、细分领域及子细分领域；粮食安全公共服务领域、基层医疗卫生保健与运动营养学均为营养师新兴从业方向。本次分析周期内，营养师最低工资标准上涨58.9%，但仍低于全国平均薪资水平及其他医疗卫生行业从业人员薪资，且平均工作时长更长。当前营养师最低工资标准为2558.05巴西雷亚尔（R$2,558.05）。 研究结论：除从业人员规模持续增长外，相关劳动立法亦完成针对性调整，劳动力市场同时呈现地域布局优化、领域多元化与规模扩张的态势。当前仍需进一步推进相关工作，尤其是要深化对该职业更具广度与整体性的认知。