Dietitian vs. Nutritionist Which One Is Right for You
By: Amit Kothiyal
Submitted: 2011-03-16 04:50:05 | Word Count: 392
The average person probably doesn't realize the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist, but there are actually some pretty strong distinctions between these two professional titles. Both dietitians and nutritionists are concerned with helping people maintain good health, but there are some significant differences that might make one more appropriate than the other. The following article should help explain the differences so you can decide which services are right for you.
The Role of the Dietician
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A registered dietitian must be credentialed by the American Dietetic Association, which requires a degree. Most dietitians have also completed internships before they begin working full time in a professional environment. Most dietitians work in organized medical facilities, but some also work in schools, corporate environments, government offices and with individual clients. The role of the dietitian is to oversee nutritional guidelines for patients, using their nutritional expertise to help people overcome illness and maintain overall health. For example, cancer patients might consult with a dietitian to plan a diet that will give them a better chance of overcoming their disease.
The Role of the Nutritionist
A nutritionist deals with personal health and nutrition in some of the same ways that a dietitian does, but they don't have the same educational requirements as dietitians do. There are many educational facilities that nutritionists can go to for their schooling and different educational paths they can take. Some nutritionists arrive at this career juncture after retiring from a career as an athlete; others are former fitness instructors; and others might have backgrounds in nutrition health and wellbeing without actually having an accredited degree. For example, a person might meet with a nutritionist if they want to lose some weight or increase their athletic performance.
Which One Is Right for You
If you are in need of nutrition advice for medical reasons, then a dietitian is definitely the better choice. A dietitian will have specific health-related knowledge and an education that has been approved by a reputable professional organization. If you want to lose weight or get in better shape, on the other hand, a nutritionist is probably a better choice.
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