Yes, there is a difference. I also think it is highly worthwhile for people to do a lot of reading and self education about food and nutrition. Knowledge is power. We eat 3x a day, it’s good to have your own expertise in the subject!

Thanks, OP! I really appreciate the PSA. I had no idea there was a difference and had been thinking I might need to see a nutritionist. Now I’ll be looking for a registered dietitian.

See also: “sleep consultants” These folks have paid for a simple online training video. That is their only education on the subject and then they charge you a ridiculous hourly rate for information available for free. Very similar to those who are nutritionists.

The amount of people that go around as if they are educated professionals is alarming.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is something called registered dietician nutritionist, so I’d check first.

That individual will never call themselves just a nutritionist. Look for the degree/licensing, folks. They will have RD or RDN after their name. Some states also have LDNs.

Yes, but they may be referred to by others as a nutritionist. So if someone says "let me recommend my nutritionist..." it doesn't necessarily mean they are recommending a hack.

Our pediatrician gave us a list of "nutritionists" to help with DD's eating/weight issues -- they were all registered dietitians. You'd think a doctor's office would use the right term and yet they didn't. The person we saw (from that list) was phenomenal and our pediatrician is also great (the rec to talk to someone was timely and smart and helped us deal with some food avoidance and pickiness issues before they became a health issue).

Some people just use inexact terms or don't realize a term they are using is inexact.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:doesn't everyone know this?

No, I'm sure they don't.

OP is 100% correct.

They absolutely don’t. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked for help with nutritional needs and clearly needs a dietician and of course the folks calling themselves nutritionists who sell mlm crap are all in the comments. And they pretty much bank on the fact that the person won’t know any better. And very often, they don’t.

Anonymous wrote:doesn't everyone know this?

Not based on the amount of times I hear people talking about nutritionists. Maybe sometimes they mean dietitians.

Anonymous wrote:doesn't everyone know this?

No, I'm sure they don't.

OP is 100% correct.

doesn't everyone know this?

Anonymous wrote:There is something called registered dietician nutritionist, so I’d check first.

That individual will never call themselves just a nutritionist. Look for the degree/licensing, folks. They will have RD or RDN after their name. Some states also have LDNs.

And if your personal trainer starts telling you what to eat, run the other way.

There is something called registered dietician nutritionist, so I’d check first.

Truth.

Anonymous wrote:So no life coaches? 😂

I see a lot of people on this board conflating dietitians and nutritionists. Nutritionists are hacks, dietitians are real medical professionals with training and licensing. I see a registered dietician and she's amazing.

So no life coaches? 😂

Registered dietitians have degrees, licenses, are highly regulated, and work with medical professionals. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. You want a dietician who can actually provide real nutritional and medical advice.