Dietitian vs Nutritionist: What is the Difference?

Are you aware that a dietitian is different from a health nutritionist? Do you already know that they are different but have a vague idea about the differences? If this is the case, this article will give you a clear idea on how is a dietitian different from a nutritionist.

In this era of Internet, we consume a lots of content related to healthy eating. Then there comes a myth-burster on your timeline telling that your current knowledge needs to revised. Where does all of this knowledge coming from? Are these sources validated for accuracy?

You will find that there is so much vagueness, therefore it becomes imperative to reach out to the real professionals. They are the ones with right certifications and eligibility to guide people with their eating plans and habits. Yes! We are talking about the dietitians and nutritionists. Here, we will discuss how do they differ and when they can be helpful.

Who Is A Dietitian?

A dietician is someone who has completed the approved academic studies, cleared the credentialing exams, and has taken stringent training in order to become a registered dietician. They need to meet certain educational competencies as well. It makes them qualified to work one-on-one with the patients in a clinical context.

Also, they can provide nutrition advice for a wide range of health conditions and diseases. Furthermore, they can clinically guide people with various health conditions, such as diabetes, food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, and several others. They are qualified to work in the hospitals and can also set up their private practice if they desire. If you look for a “dietician near me’,” you will find them mostly in hospitals and health centers.

Who Is A Nutritionist?

One can become a nutritionist by covering fewer steps as compared to a dietitian. A nutritionist can be a self-acclaimed professional, and anyone with a certification can become a nutritionist. This is the reason why they have fewer regulations than registered dietitians and less ability to provide advice on diet and nutrition. They use the established evidence and knowledge to provide information and advice about foods to promote societal health.

Major Differences Between Registered Dietitians And Nutritionists

Now that you know who are the dietitians and nutritionists let’s figure out how they differ when it comes to treating patients and providing guidance:

Difference Based On Who They Can Work With

Registered Dietitians can work one-on-one with the patients as well as the healthy people. On the contrary, nutritionist’s work is limited to the healthy individuals only.

Dietitians can work with both sick and healthy people and can treat them clinically. They are qualified to provide medical assistance to those who are critically ill. The registered dietitians can provide medical nutrition therapy to treat medical conditions and promote nutritional well-being. Also, they can design meal plan and recommend dietary changes to the individuals with chronic diseases.

Nutritionists, on the other hand, can only work with healthy people. They can guide people with healthy eating habits and promote their well-being by taking the scientific evidences into consideration. They are not qualified to work with the individuals diagnosed with an illness. People can reach out to the nutritionists to enhance their balance diet and life.

Dietitians Are Regulated Whereas Nutritionists Can Be Self-Proclaimed

Dietitians have more regulations, whereas nutritionists need fewer degrees and credentials; therefore, anyone can become a nutritionist.

Dieticians are often regulated by government entities, which means they need to clear the stringent examinations and criteria to become a registrar dietitian. The reason is apparent, as they are responsible for the treatment of ill people. When the health of the person is at stake, only highly educated and qualified health professionals are allowed to do so. In addition to treating people, their roles can also stretch to the pharmacies, insurance, or other entities of the healthcare sector.

In contrast, nutritionists have less regulations from the government bodies. They need less degrees and credentials to become a nutritionist and therefore, they are less capable of treating people with their illnesses. Besides, they can promote the eating habits and nutritional well-being among the healthy individuals. They are mainly work in the commercial setting, such as gyms, and wellness centres.

Basic Subjects Are Similar But Higher Degrees Deviate

They study the same basic subjects; however, when it comes to higher degrees, their path deviates.

The academic curriculum in the beginning can be similar. The basic framework may include the study of food, biology, genetics, microbiology, etc. As they advance, the degrees and certifications change. For instance, nutritionists move ahead with the nutrition modules, wherein they study nutrition program planning and assessment, nutrition education, etc. Besides, they may also learn about nutritional programs for sports and other nutritionist services. Some of the common types of nutritionists are:

Sports nutritionist
Animal nutritionist
Clinical nutritionist
Gerontological nutritionist
Public health nutritionist
Management nutritionist
Holistic nutritionist
Vegetarian nutritionist
Nutrition consultant
Athletic nutritionist
Registered dietitian nutritionist

On the other hand, dieticians are more inclined to study medical-related subjects and degrees. The subjects may include clinical biochemistry, therapeutic diet preparation, medical nutrition therapy, etc. Dieticians have a few advantages over the nutritionists. Their scope is vast as they can work as nutritionists. However, nutritionists can’t work as a dietician. Certified dietitians can get their clinical placements, community dietetics, food service, etc. There can be different types of dietitians, such as:

Sports dietitian
Research dietitian
Clinical dietetics and nutrition
Gerontological dietitian
Neonatal dietitian
Nutritionist dietitian
Clinical dietitian
Food Service dietitian
Food nutrition and dietetics
Consultant dietitian
Community dietitian
Pediatric dietitian
Business dietitian

They Have Different Workplaces

Dietitians often work in hospitals and health centers. In contrast, nutritionists work in gyms, fitness, and wellness centers.

When we see in bigger picture, the roles of the nutritionists and dietitians may look same. They both promote health and wellness, through healthy diet-plans and eating habits. However, when you delve deeper, you will see that their roles and workplaces are different. You can contact a nutritionist for weight gain.

Dietitians can get their placement in various areas of the healthcare sector, such as clinics, community dietetics, food services, etc. You can clearly see here that they are head liable for the public health and these responsibilities can’t be given to everyone.

Ending Words!

Now that you have fully read this post, hopefully, the difference between the health nutritionist and dietitian is no longer cloudy. Based on this knowledge, you can choose the right professional based on your specific requirements related to your diet plan. If you are in search of a dietician for weight loss, you can reach us out online or at its physical address and get the desired help.