If you would like help planning your diet, either because of a health condition or because you want to lose weight, speaking with a registered dietitian is a good option. Registered dietitians must meet a rigorous set of qualifications to use this title. You also might speak with someone claiming to be a nutritionist, but these people generally do not have the same level of qualifications as registered dietitians.
Registered Dietitian Requirements
Registered dietitians must complete an accredited bachelor's degree program in nutrition that includes specific coursework to prepare them for a career in dietetics. They also need to complete a nine-month internship, pass an exam and complete continuing education requirements each year to call themselves registered dietitians.
Nutritionist Requirements
Anyone can call himself a nutritionist, regardless of whether he has any training. A nutritionist might have a BS or MS in nutrition or a related field, or might be self-educated. The quality of advice you receive from a nutritionist depends on his qualifications, so be sure to ask for them before following any advice a nutritionist gives you.
Registered Dietitian Responsibilities
Registered dietitians advise people on the type of diets they should follow, especially those people with health conditions that require them to avoid certain foods. They plan meals for cafeterias in large companies, schools, institutions and hospitals. Registered dietitians often help people who need to lose weight or lower their cholesterol plan diets to reach their goals, and make diet recommendations to help limit disease risk.
Considerations
Although some nutritionists might have some type of nutrition qualifications, sometimes people selling supplements or weight loss programs use the title nutritionist without having any training in nutrition. Make sure to ask about their qualifications before purchasing or using these supplements. Better yet, ask a registered dietitian whether you need these supplements or whether certain dietary changes might be more effective.
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