Here’s Why You Should See A Dietician For Your Health Goals (And Not Just A Nutritionist)
Did you know there was a major difference?
by The Candidly Team
In a world full of wellness influencers, it isn’t always easy to parse out good nutrition advice from the bad … or even just the very, very weird. We’re looking at you lemon juice in your coffee. Cue heartburn.
But misconceptions about health aren’t exactly new. For instance, here’s a real diet published in Vogue in the 70s for your viewing pleasure (ahem horror).
One way to actually understand the nutritional needs of your own body in this day and age is to see a dietician.
Dieticians are not unqualified, trend-driven, “wellness” people. They’re highly educated, science-driven “health” people. Their expertise could help in the prevention of and healing from disease, and therefore, seeing one might very well be covered by your insurance.
And let’s just forget the word diet here, or at least the definition of it that our 70s, 80s, 90s upbringings taught us. Seeing a dietician isn’t about coming up with yet another restrictive meal plan. It’s about forming a better, more sustainable relationship with food, with nutrition, and with your body, all in the service of nourishing that body more adequately.
A nutritionist, on the other hand is “a self-proclaimed title — there aren’t any requirements about who can or can’t use it,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. And many insurance companies will only cover visits with certified professionals.
So if you’re interested in seeking out someone to assist you with own health and nutrition plan, here’s what you need to know.
What does a dietician do?
“Registered dietitians are credentialed professionals trained to provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling for specific medical needs (kidney disease, eating disorders, heart disease, etc.). Many of us also help people learn how to improve and increase their nutrition overall and relationship with food as a whole,” according to Sarah Eichenbaum, R.D. of Sweetly Balanced.
“Dietitians can help drown out a lot of the noise and misinformation from media about diet and food to help people focus on their personal needs for improved health and wellness,” said Eichenbaum. Instead of handing out a one-size-fits-all nutrition guide, they focus on plans that are tailored to the individual to help them build long-term, sustainable habits.
How is a dietician different from a nutritionist?
“Dietitians require extensive education with a minimum of a BS [Bachelor of Science] (more have an MS [Master of Science]), 1200 hours of supervised practice, then sitting for a board exam, plus continuing education throughout our careers in order to use the title of Registered Dietician,” said Eichenbaum.
“Nutritionists don't require any formal training and anyone can use the title of ‘nutritionist.’ Many are people who did a two-hour online course,” said Eichenbaum.
However, “a lot of dietitians tack on the word 'nutritionist' after 'registered dietitian' because it tends to be a more familiar title to people outside medical settings,” so looking for that “RD” after a name is very helpful when seeking out an educated and accredited nutrition professional. “Every dietitian is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is a dietitian.”
Where can I find a registered dietician?
You can search for an in-network RD through your insurance website. You can also search this online directory to find an RD you can meet with in-person in your area or online.
Many insurance plans cover at least some sessions with a registered dietician. But there are a couple things to note. First, insurance will likely only cover certified professionals (not just someone out there who calls themselves a nutritionist or a coach). But really that’s a plus not a minus. Second, it’s best to get an actual human on the phone from your insurance company to spell out exactly what’s covered and how it will work.
“Some dietitians take insurance and some do not,” said Eichenbaum. “Typically, dietitians in private practice will offer a free consultation call so you can get a feeling if working together is a good fit or not.”
Because many dieticians have specialties such as sports nutrition, eating disorders, diabetes, oncology etc., she recommends looking for one that specializes in your own personal needs.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. Read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
