Im thinking of a career in nutrition and fitness but?

Im not all that fit and small myself. im 5'1 130 lbs. I really am interested in the career I really want to achieve my "perfect" but healthy body and i want to help other women and/or men do the same! Im very caring and have been in and been interested in the medical field my whole life! Im afraid that people in this field will take one look at me and say that chick is fat she could never do this career. Any advice or tips for this problem or any advice on the career? I do work out every other day i try to eat good and im so interested in learning to make myself and others helathy and fit.

thank you

I work at a doctors office and we have a nutritionist here who are patients LOVE but i must say she is overweight! i dont think over all being a nutritionist and doing nutrition and fitness evaluations has anything to do with YOUR weight it has to do with the clients i think if your fit they will take in your advice more. Im gearing more towards fitness evaluations diet and exercise plans and maybe teaching a few group classes now and then im not gearing to personal training or body building. i want to work on my own or in a medical setting not a gym

Given your height and weight, you're not huge, but...I think dietician/ nutritionist is the one occupation in the medical field where ANY excess weight would be frowned upon by at least some of your patients. It would give them an excuse to not listen to your input, you know (of which it sounds like you're already aware)?

If you aren't able to take off a few pounds - I don't know what your build is like, so I don't know whether you'd need to lose 5, 10 or 20 pounds to achieve a "healthy" look - that doesn't mean you can't consider another profession in the medical field. Registered nurses, pharmacists, occupational or physical therapists, physician's assistants, etc. are ALL in demand nowadays, and nobody would think twice if you carried a little extra weight in any of those positions.

Good luck to you! : )

EDIT: No, it doesn't affect what anyone can study, but it may influence how effectively she can carry out her duties.

I studied in the nutrition/exercise and sports science field and I saw people of all shapes and sizes. Yes, it is true, there were mostly a lot of very fit people, but some were not. A person's size is not a determining factor of what they can/can't study. I say don't let it keep you from pursuing your interests, who cares what anyone else thinks.

You have the right idea, achieving the healthiest body that is possible and best for you and your specific body type- and helping others do the same. You would be an asset to the industry.

The first thing you need to do is get your self in shape, which you are doing. Great. The second thing is to get into the field you want by checking out what the local colleges are offering as far as classes. Exersice physiology and nutriton is what you are interested in, but, please beware, my second major was in that field and it was a very disheartening experience. As someone who competed in bodybuilding I know well what one has to do to get in shape and how to eat. My instructors however, were preaching ideas from 1854 that were so outdated I had to laugh. Where does one come up with "you only need about 60 grams of protein a day?" is beyond me. I hope you experience in the field is more positive. Lastly, if you are anything like me and expect results out of your clients rather then just money, choose them wisely. Most people will not follow your advice and they will blame you for their lack of progress.In the end though, it is a fascinating field to get into so long as you can shift through the BS that is abandon in it.

temptress, first i think that you should get yourself to that point of fitness where you feel confident with your body. Remember you are a role model to people who are looking at you for motivation and inspiration.
Maybe you should make some adjustments to your training and diet program to achieve maximum results and become more toned.
Although genetics play a big part in our body composition, there is still alot that we can do to improve our physical appearance not to mention our health!!!
i fully support you in your career choice. I say go for it!!! But get yourself to where you want to be, be familiar with the journey, the road and sometimes even the obstacles involved in being a healthy and fit individual....then you'll be better able to take someone by the hand and help them on their journey too!
Take care

As a person with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science with a certification in Strength and Conditioning I would recommend that you first might think about getting a degree in kinesiology and then gain a certification with a reputable organization such as NSCA, ACE, or ACSM. Also work on your weaknesses as in physical shape. I would say that if you're going to be a trainer than you need to be able to perform a lot of the movements/lifts that you would show your clients. As far as your weight your BMI is at 24. Try to get that down a couple points. Then as long as you're healthy then you should be could to go. A lot has to do with knowledge. Good luck!!