If you would like help changing your diet to improve your health, lose weight, or reduce the symptoms of an existing medical condition then you can see a dietitican or a nutritionist.
The main difference between them are:
- Historically, dietitians have tended to be employed by the NHS or private hospitals to help improve the health of sick people through dietary intervention. Nutritonists have worked freelance with private clients using food to promote health.
- Dietiticans are State Registered. Nutritionists are in the main not, although this may change as the NHS outsources more services and all complimentary therapies are increasingly regulared. Some GPs do refer to nutritionists as well as dieticians.
- Dieticians do not tend to use nutritional supplements. Nutritionists do.
Many nutritionists come to the profession through a personal passion. As a result, they may specialise in sports nutrition, IBS, fertility, or some other area. Dieticians are more generalists, albiet with detailed knowledge of medical conditions. Some nutritionists bring other skills, such as homeopothy, psychology or shiatsu to their practise.
All this said, there is now an increasing cross-over between dietitians and nutritionists as more dietiticans go into private practise and nutritionists are more and more tightly regulated.
DIETICANS
According to the NHS Choices website, dieticians are qualified ‘to giveadvice on all aspects of eating and diet. This includes special diets for medical conditions, such as a diet for someone who has coeliac disease’. To call yourself a dietician, you must be registered with The British Dietetic Assicaion *(BDA).
How to find one: You can contact the British Dietetic Association (www.bda.uk.com) or go to www.freelancedietitians.org.
NUTRITIONISTS
According to the NHS Choices website, nutritionists are ‘qualified to provide information about food and healthy eating’. Nutritionist is a broad term, so it’s important to make sure the one you consult is appropriately qualified. Look out for membership of the following professional bodies :
British Association of Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC)
Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
How to find one: You can do a search through the AFN (www.associationfornutrition.org) or through one of the online therapy directories e.g. www.nutritionistresource.co.uk
FAQs
A dietitian may also go by “registered dietitian nutritionist” or RDN. In short, nutritionist refers to a broader category of professionals that help people eat healthy, whereas dietitians are nutritionists with specialized training. All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
What is the major difference between dietetics and nutrition? ›
What is a dietitian? The clearest way to understand the difference between dietitians and nutritionists is to think of dietetics as a specialisation on top of your nutrition studies. Dietitians have the added qualifications to work one-on-one with patients in a clinical context.
What is the difference between dietitian and nutritionist PDF? ›
Dietitians are held accountable for their conduct and the care they provide. The term Nutritionist is not protected by law in all provinces so people with different levels of training and knowledge can all themselves a "Nutritionist".
What is the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist quizlet? ›
Both terms are regulated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A Registered Dietitian works in hospitals and clinics, while a Nutritionist works only in the community. Both a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist must undergo continuing education on a regular basis in order to stay up to date in the field.
What can a dietitian do that a nutritionist Cannot? ›
The two main differences between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist are: In many states, only an RD can counsel individuals regarding specific diet plans. Only RDs can be involved with diagnosing and treating medical conditions, which is known as medical nutrition therapy open_in_new.
Can a nutritionist give me a meal plan? ›
Dietitians and Nutritionists can help clients reach their health goals with additional guidance by offering them meal plans. Meal plans can be personalized based on the health conditions and ethnic meal preferences of their clients.
Which course is best dietician or nutritionist? ›
Best On-Campus Nutrition Courses in India:
- BSc Nutrition and Dietetics. ...
- BSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. ...
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics. ...
- MSc Clinical Nutrition. ...
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics. ...
- Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education. ...
- Diploma in Diet Assistant. ...
- PG Diploma in Dietetics.
Dietitians and nutritionists counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits. Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.
Will a nutritionist or dietician help me lose weight? ›
If you've struggled unsuccessfully to lose weight in the past, it might be time to try getting some professional help. A trained nutritionist can help you reach your goals by designing a personalized plan based on your health status, your individual needs, and your lifestyle.
What are the benefits of a dietitian and nutritionist? ›
A dietitian can help you manage health conditions, such as:
- diabetes.
- eating disorders.
- heart disease.
- malnutrition.
- gastrointestinal diseases.
- obesity.
- food allergies and intolerances.
- renal disease.
What does a dietitian do? Dietitians are health professionals who are experts in nutrition and the human diet. Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioral science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape the dietary choices of healthy and sick people.
What are 2 differences between a dietician and nutritionist? ›
However, nutritionists usually cannot provide medical nutritional counseling or diagnose or treat illnesses. In contrast, a registered dietitian is a credentialed professional. In addition to doing everything a nutritionist can do, an RD can provide medical nutritional therapy and counseling.
What makes more dietitian or nutritionist? ›
There is a wide range for potential financial growth in both disciplines, but generally, dietitians make more. For nutritionists, pursuing further training and becoming a Registered Dietitian can be a path to higher salary.
What is the difference between nutrition and dietetics and food and nutrition? ›
Food science and nutrition is an overall science of foods, their components, their nutritional values, how they are good or bad for us, etc. Food nutrition and dietetics specifically targets therapy with diet. It tells us about human physiology, diseases and what and how much to eat when the body is sick.
Should I see a dietitian or nutritionist to gain weight? ›
It is best to see your health care provider if you lost weight unexpectedly. Your provider or a dietitian can help you gain weight in a healthy way. Together, you can create a plan based on your needs.
What exactly does a nutritionist do? ›
What is a Nutritionist? A nutritionist is a broad title for a professional advising clients on nutrition and its effects on them. They help clients alter their diet to promote a healthier lifestyle and eating habits. Nutritionists teach people new, realistic, and sustainable ways to eat and understand food.
