What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?

[@NutritionByKylie]

Sorry this is a little more boring and info-heavy! Just wanted to clarify the differences between dietitians and nutritionists since I get this question very often! As I’ve mentioned, someone who is a dietitian is legally required to have certain degrees, complete an intensive internship, and stay up-to-date on nutrition research whereas a nutritionist is not. Though technically anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, this doesn’t mean that all nutritionists will lack relevant education and training! This just means that 1) it’s important to look into a nutritionist’s educational background and experience before choosing to work with them and 2) it may be best to choose a dietitian if you’re hoping for specific nutrition guidance regarding a certain health condition Lastly, one of the reasons I always mention my credentials is because I want to make it immediately clear to any viewer that I did receive a the required amount of education/training! Also, I’m proud of my credentials given how difficult the journey was to obtain them (perhaps I’ll make a separate long video on this lol)

[@RedLya]

Lel we see u sis! 😂☺️ thanks for the big effort always, preciate the content and ofc amazing hard work 🫶

[@happyperson7663]

this is not boring at all! I love to see the facts to clear things up. Also, all of your hard work paid off from school! Youre so knowledgable :)

[@lareina_quinn]

Yes, I have been wondering this and I’m so glad you helped!! I love learning about nutrition and loved this video!!

[@sanriochica333]

Thank you so much for sharing! I've been encouraging my dad to see a nutritionist bc he had UC and had his colon removed. But i guess I'll tell him to look into dieticians

[@nutsinabutt]

This is useful information, thank you!

[@jenniferbates2811]

Thank you! My daughter has been in culinary school, and she's going to become a dietitian. She has ADHD and celiac, and she really wants to help others who struggle as well.

[@Wally_Darling1960]

That must suck when she has to taste wheat dishes

[@bigmanrui3503]

A fellow coeliac! Hope she’s well :)

[@keyofb3528]

@@Wally_Darling1960because eating gluten causes long term damage she can opt out of those dishes. I have it as well and no way can you get me to eat gluten.

[@boompbeep5944]

What a cool combo! I wish her the best of luck in school

[@lilalizzard]

@@Wally_Darling1960why would she have to taste wheat dishes

[@balbaldoodoo]

A degree in theoretical physics vs a theoretical degree in physics

[@jacksonfysh3746]

😂😂😂😂

[@canesugar911]

😂

[@Sasu123456789x1]

Damn lmao 🤣

[@veronicas8270]

LOL

[@lambentlamprey]

'Law and Order' degree vs Law degree.

[@DolphinGirl826]

Another good example of this type of difference is “life coach” vs “counselor/therapist”

[@Honeystarzzz]

I am a nutritionist! And in Malaysia, both Nutritionist and Dietitians are protective term (as protected under the Healthcare professionals law). Nutritionist in Malaysia is also licensed to practice (but shamefully, there are lots of instances where anyone and everyone can just call themselves nutritionist) So my takeaway is to just be myself, in a sea of misinformation i hope maybe my small voice can make a diffrence

[@cocomelon3431]

thats so amazing to see another fellow Malaysian on her videos. Its so interesting and nice to see as a malaysian who suffers with bed and has sadly and with shame i admit this wanted to be anorexic in a praying hope I'd be skinny. Its nice to see that shes able to make someone like me be a little more understanding and forgiving to my body

[@yonit1576]

Intresting. What are the key differences between the two?

[@25-8]

💙

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@yonit1576 I’m betting length and scope of education Like LPN and RN here We also have PA and MD here that are similar but distinct

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@yonit1576 I’m betting length and scope of education Like LPN and RN here We also have PA and MD here that are similar but distinct

[@bryangrunauer]

That's cool to know! Here in Brazil what you call a dietitian we call a "nutricionista", and as far as I know we don't have a term for people without formal training. Thanks for the info!

[@jessicadesousa1473]

No Instagram tem um monte 😂 se chamam influencers né. Vendem pacote de nutrição sem ser formadas em nada

[@bryangrunauer]

@@jessicadesousa1473 bom ponto! os vendedores de curso, link na Bio arrasta pra cima kkkkkk

[@Eletrocinese]

Agora eu não lembro a diferença exata mas teve uma vez que eu passei em um nutrólogo e eu nunca tinha ouvido falar no termo antes :0

[@_san_flower_]

Same in Spain!

[@eduardaaraujo9039]

​@@Eletrocinese nutrólogos são medicos da area de nutrição. eles não podem passar dietas, apenas remédios. ja o nutricionista não é médico e não pode passar remédios, apenas dietas.

[@beccalife275]

I appreciate this. I feel like there are so many nutritionists online who don’t give good advice but seem legit because they call themselves a nutritionist

[@mariabou7178]

As a dietician in Europe thank you so much for clarifying this! Noone seems to understand the difference a whole degree makes lol

[@kiwifruitkl]

My alma mater university had a program called "medical dietetics", and students would be there to pursue a bachelor's degree in medical dietetics so they could work as registered dieticians.

[@Sasu123456789x1]

People really need to know the difference and I'm so glad you addressed this! 👏🏾 People really be out here spreading misinformation.

[@EmelyPhan]

It's the same thing with interior designers and interior decorators. The general outline to become an interior designer is similar to what she outlines to become a dietitian. Like studying at an accredited school, working in the industry while under supervision, and doing a board exam.

[@kiarar.1219]

In the Dominican Republic we have “nutricionistas” and “nutriólogos”. Nutricionistas study a 4 year program, like a bachelors in nutrition. They can monitor your diet, give you a plan, and help you achieve your goal. Nutriólogos are doctors, who then specialized in nutrition. They can identify certain deficiencies, prescribe medicine, and they also give you a plan, monitor your diet.

[@itskema5975]

That's a big difference and thanks for letting us know.

[@sevenandthelittlestmew]

I had surgery for a spindle cell cancer last fall, and the tumor was in my stomach, so the surgeon had to take about 15% of my stomach in order to get all the margins around the tumor. Long story short, I had VERY specific dietary restrictions for the first couple months, and I just want to say thank you to my unsung hero, The Dietician. She had all the information I needed to make the process of moving from liquid foods to soft foods to solid foods easy and healthy, and she was also able to ease my fears regarding food after my diagnosis and surgery. You guys are under-appreciated in so many ways, and your job is seriously misinterpreted because of these woo woo “nutritionalists” on social media. Anyway, thanks for doing what you do.

[@Vixin24]

My sister is a dietitian and is always talking about this. She hates all the nutritionists out there who are unqualified and always giving unsubstantiated advice to people.

[@missnikki1488]

I am a dietitian too and I feel the same way as your sis!!

[@EnchantingWings1]

It's the same thing with psychotherapists in the UK. It's not protected, so anyone can call themselves a counsellor/psychotherapist. Arts Psychotherapist and Practitioner Psychologist are protected titles, but not counsellor/psychotherapist (without the arts bit).

[@justme-qd6qb]

​@@EnchantingWings1 Oh no that sounds super scatchy and like a lot of people would accidentally waste their time and money...

[@_san_flower_]

Hi! In Spain it is totally different, both are protective terms and both are essential for working with patients. However, dietitians have their degree by studying a two year professional grade, but you need to go to university four years to become a nutritionist. So, in my case, I am a nutritionist and tecnically also a dietitian (the actual term is dietitian-nutritionist or DN).

[@jensnyder07]

From one dietitian to another, I love your channel. Thanks for representing the profession so well!

[@Brianna58321]

Thanks for the info! It’s nice to be more informed

[@lin90210]

when my dad was going through some renal issues he became anemic and underweight. he had a dietitian, consultant doctor and renal specialist nurse help him and the dietitian gave us a list to follow and it worked so well :)

[@jeffpro8]

I'm one of the people that ask this question recently. I wasn't sure of what difference was. Thank for making this video and informing us on the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian! 😊

[@shannonforsberg4118]

This is so helpful, thank you! I had no idea the amount of education a dietitian needs to have. So much respect! ❤️

[@camille1392]

It is fun because in France a nutritionist is a doctor with the nutrition as a specialty and dietician is only 2 years post graduation

[@forevercatlinh]

Super informative and helpful! Thanks for helping me understand that both terms can’t be used interchangeably

[@TheMuirite]

Thank you so much for this… It’s a difference I wish more people understood.

[@Lawrence2525]

In Italy they are two distinct degrees, where the one to become a nutritionist is a a degree in biology with a specialization in nutrition science ✌🏻

[@ModestBarbieDoll]

You promote us RDs more than the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ever will 👏🏻

[@oh_my_me6999]

I’m in the process of my internship to become an RD. Almost finish, just a couple more months. You inspired me to think differently about nutrition. Nutrition is not about restricting, but balancing. Tyty!

[@EmelyPhan]

It's the same with people calling themselves interior designers vs. interior decorators. The general outline to become an interior designer is similar to a dietitian. Like studying at an accredited school, working in the industry while under supervision, and doing a board exam.

[@bassieeff]

It’s like the difference between a therapist that’s an LCSW/LPC/LMFT and someone that’s a life coach

[@msc2608]

Thanks for the info, we have so many "nutritionists" on tv in my country promoting disordered ideas, sometimes even dietary foods, weight loss pills, etc

[@evapoff6784]

This was super helpful! I love learning from your videos.

[@ncediel0827]

Always begged this question. Thanks for clarifying!

[@westleyjay]

I wish my health insurance covered dietician services. I’m a diabetic and it’s still not covered.

[@isazambra]

This honestly amazes me. In Mexico, dietitian services and anything related to nutrition is completely covered by your insurance as long as the person you go to (private sector) accepts the government's public insurance. However, if you go to a dietitian working in the public field, then it's 100% covered or you pay almost nothing out of pocket! If you have a private health insurance instead of the one provided by your employer (this one is always public, but can also be private depending on where you work), then almost every person or business in the private sector will accept it or have a deductible type of plan/policy. I truly hope these type of services get covered by insurance companies in the US if none do! It's definitely a need, specially for people who have medical conditions. Acommodating their diets to them can be/is life-changing! 😰

[@itzelmontalvo6645]

​@isabelzambrano1308 I'm Mexican-American, and it's amazing how even a 3rd world country like Mexico has universal health care, and the U.S. doesn't. Truly sad.

[@probablynotmoon]

@@itzelmontalvo6645 i don’t know how to break this down for you but Mexico isn’t a third world country…

[@eturley7533]

Hi there! I would suggest taking a look at free DPP (diabetes prevention program) classes or looking for an outreach clinic that has free dietetic services. There are some specialized diabetic dietitians who receive grant money to offer services to those who cant afford them under covered care! Hope this helps!

[@Kittykat79NY]

I had no clue! Thank you for the explanation!! Education does matter ❤

[@marcmorgenstern9650]

Ong - thank you for this explanation. With chronic illness and pain in my household, it’s sometimes hard to know whom to invest your dollars with. Thank you.

[@Papacha]

Thank you for the lesson today. This great info to know.

[@tatianahaas1]

Great information and I appreciate that because a lot of general public I have a misconception about nutritionist and dietitian and a lot of dietitian.

[@NelltheShiba]

Thank you for explaining this. I'm a diabetic with cancer and it's hard to know what to eat during this time. Especially since I have little to no appetite.

[@lhs1221]

Thank you for clarifying!! I didn’t know all this and it’s super helpful. So glad I found you, someone who is so well-qualified! ❤

[@jeanineross8457]

YES!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I get so tired of telling people this!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@maddymeager8403]

When people ask why I’m doing a nutrition degree if I want to be a dietitian I’m going to send them this

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

You can have a PhD in nutrition yet still not be a dietitian. Becoming a dietitian requires an internship, passing a national exam, and continuously keeping your certification current.

[@maddymeager8403]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y yeah Ik man, we all know, that’s literally what she says in the video

[@maddymeager8403]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y idk how it works in where you live but in Australia you need to have a masters degree in dietetics and it needs to be registered with the national dietitians association of Australia or you don’t even qualify to do the exam. So even if you had a pHD in nutrition you wouldn’t be able to take the exam, you’d need a masters of dietetics first. And to get into a masters of dietetics you have to do a bachelors in nutrition first thus why I am about to wrap up my degree in nutrition to go start my masters and that’s why I said I’ll be sending people this video when they ask why I’m doing nutrition if I want to be a dietitian.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

@@maddymeager8403 Well, a PhD is a higher degree than a master's degree. But most people who get a PhD degree do so because they want to become a researcher or a professor.

[@maddymeager8403]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y yeah it is higher and yes people do who get them are usually in the research field however I’m not really sure what it is exactly that you’re trying to correct. But besides the point even if you have a pHD in nutrition you’ll still need a masters of dietetics to be a candidate to take the exam

[@Christophertracy09]

Thank you for this, because I had no idea there was a difference! I love your videos and respect you so much for your transparency and down-to-earth approach💓

[@garrettr3644]

Girl, same with therapists vs life coach

[@marjutritala2742]

Thank you for clarifying the terminology! I'm from Finland and I'm studying clinical nutrition. I wasn't sure which term in english is equal to term in finnish. Thanks to you, now I know that some day I will become a dietician (ravitsemusterapeutti, literal translation "nutrition therapist"). In Finland, we also have this unprotected term that equals to nutritionist. It is ravintoterapeutti (literal translation "food therapist") and the terms are so similar that it's very easy to get confused. People are always surprised when I tell them that I need to study for five years in university to become a dietician.

[@herjslife]

Ok this right here is golden information!!! Now I know why none of the nutritionists could help me, it’s a dietician I was looking for. And thank you for practicing your work beyond your career 💜

[@feline.equation]

great explanation. i worked with a dietitian (an RD here in the US) a few years back when i was having lots of GI symptoms and losing weight. she was the only one who didn’t brush aside my symptoms as my period or hormones and was SO important in sending me to the right providers to help diagnose and manage my symptoms. she was the only one who believed me.

[@davinicanemtzow880]

This was so so helpful to understand how I was assigned the right person at my nutrition counseling practice!

[@sweetyetunrefined9335]

There also some countries where nutritionist and dietician are switched to the US definitions! (I think Australia is one)

[@superjello3979]

That's honestly a lot like "registered veterinary technician" vs. "vet tech" in most US states. The first is protected, requires education and CE, and the latter does not.

[@flxxdx]

Thank you for making this video! I learned that difference several months ago. After an unhelpful appointment with a dietician, I wanted to look into what the difference was between that and a nutritionist. As a T1 diabetic with a constantly changing lifestyle and schedule, it feels so hard to find good advice from a professional that doesn't just lecture me about the same jargon of counting carbs (which I already do) or buying more expensive bread because it has more whole grains. While I feel I've gotten better at figuring out ways to achieve my weight and nutrition goals on my own, I hope that your information in this video helps someone who's struggling with theirs and is thinking about reaching out for help.

[@kaseychristie7690]

I really appreciate this information and don’t think everyone realizes the amount of schooling that goes into being a dietitian.

[@Lala47362]

People need to remember that the nutrition facts that most people are interested in (like whether dairy, red wine, potatoes, meat etc are “healthy” or not, whether keto vegan paleo or Mediterranean diet is best) is still very much up to debate. Dieticians will have wildly different opinions on this even though they have degrees and knowledge, so don’t just take their word as gospel. Dieticians main area is helping people with medical conditions affecting their diet - e.g. making diets for people with intestinal malabsorption like Crohn’s, or after bariatric surgery, stoma bags, or re feeding people with anorexia/malnutrition

[@squidwardstentacle]

In the Netherlands, it's the exact opposite. Anyone could call themselves a dietitian, but a nutritionist is a protective term

[@char6524]

I love your content! Real life tips and no scare tactics

[@lissia8908]

In France, a there is a doctor nutritionnist is a doctor: 6 years of med school and then a specialty in , however a dietitian only does a 3-year diploma after high school.

[@mook_butt8037]

Thank you for this, I am so tired of people thinking nutritionists are authorities on the matter when they don’t even need any education here in the US.

[@missnikki1488]

I am also a RDN, LDN - I really appreciate this great explanation - thank you so very much!!

[@brinicole2999]

Damn. I didn't know this. Thanks for sharing this.

[@YoutubeCommenter1]

Good to know, now I can start calling myself a nutritionist

[@rebeccabrighton7769]

This is so important, thank you for sharing this!

[@marymaranan3641]

AMEN!!!! I took my courses for hygiene a few years back and a pre-req was to take a super intense nutrition class. Note: the class is half hygiene students and half dietitian students. And my prof who was a very well respected RD, drilled this in our heads! So every time I see someone claim they’re a nutritionist or a brand saying “nutritionist approve”, I roll my eyes and say that anyone can take a crash course to be a nutritionist. I’m only trusting a dietician.

[@sheilam8932]

From quite a few years have been following online dietitian, nutritionist n health practitioners ... previously dad used to make us read books he subscribed n bought extensively, which included mostly US based authors apart from other countries, so i have this habit of knowing things.

[@deborahamsens9370]

So clear, per usual , you nailed it K

[@greeneyes2296]

Thankyou for making this!! I was waiting for it from certain comments i was seeing! Love watching you. You help me in so many ways with my IBS issues

[@lisas4453]

Thank you people need to know this!!!!

[@KE28935]

Thank you 👏👏👏 I hope more people see this, because there are too many nutritionists posting and saying unhealthy eating habits and people believe it just because they say they are nutritionists!

[@pianobooks42]

This is also why many insurances don’t cover nutritionist appointments! My rule of thumb is if your insurance won’t cover it, question it. It usually means the science doesn’t backup the treatment. Although there are exceptions where it’s super beneficial to do xyz over a covered service, it’s a red flag that says RESEARCH THIS DEEPLY BEFORE TRYING IT!

[@carminaburana9765]

I'm glad to know this. I was referred to a nutritionist for some GI problems. Instead of an appointment, she mailed me a stack of printed out websites on weight loss. Now I understand what the issue was.

[@vansprinkes]

I gotta rush to get my bachelor's before 2024

[@juliastansel483]

Great info to have! Thank you!!!

[@MaddyRan]

Thank you for making this video!

[@diana-qf5dw]

If my intro to nutrition class taught me anything it was this! Hopefully this becomes common knowledge real soon because I’ve seen so many shady nutrition advice from internet “experts” and sadly it affects people who have no access to personal dietitians or simply older generations

[@CaliforniaGal]

Yes I love this video. Some many people assume they are the same and it's not hard to become a dietitian.

[@anonn9006]

this was extremely helpful!

[@spiceinthecoffee]

Thanks for the info!

[@inkandcaffeine]

that makes sense, we had team nutritionists when i was a college athlete but they were all IN their respective masters programs so presumably going to be athletic dietitians, i liked having them fore recipe ideas but i didn't necessarily learn much from them, but then again my family always ate balanced meals so maybe i came in with prior knowledge

[@ARI-oh1fx]

Thank you for the info

[@markalexander3659]

I will now be adding "Professional Nutritionist" to my CV

[@fayem4091]

I graduated as a biochemist and biotechnologist in Greece and know i got into university again to become a dietitian. See ya on the other side in about a year and half from now. (If you choose to pursue a relatively similar degree in Greece you get to keep the grades under specific conditions. So i got a full year of a head start and i worked my ass off the last two semesters so know i am at my third year at 24). I am hoping to get out before my 26th birthday with a degree and a master that i am planning to start at September as well. (Yes i am that crazy, yes i will definitely die)

[@chaosdragoon1]

Wow thank you. I had no idea. I had thought they were both college accredited.

[@ladennayoung2939]

Thanks. I honestly wasn't aware. God bless.

[@mediocremapleleaf7797]

It’s so fascinating to hear this because I had to see both when I was sixteen because of an illness that caused me to lose most of my weight. I was in the hospital for a serve eating disorder that almost took my life. I hated the nutritionist I saw because I felt like she didn’t know what she was talking about and she couldn’t help me. I kept explaining to her that certain foods made me feel sick and I didn’t have an appetite. She kept telling me to eat certain things because they’re “healthy” but I didn’t get better until after I saw a dietitian. When I saw the dietitian she told me I have severe allergies and until I saw an allergist and got those under control, I wouldn’t get better. It turned out I’m severely allergic to cucumber and dairy which the nutritionist told me were healthy and shouldn’t make me sick smh thank stars for that Dietcian or idk if I would have survived

[@user-md1ii6sr7s]

Big help, thank you!!

[@tembodiaz]

I did not know that! Thank you!

[@RedLya]

Fr thooo. Ty sis for teachin us 🖤🤍 didn’t know that!

[@lindatwala2977]

Thank you so much for the information

[@Ash-xt1ej]

Oh wow I had no idea. Thank you so much!

[@SweetPhantom]

I was a chef for over a decade and last year decided to transition into the medical field. I am now studying health and wellness and nutrition at the top university in my city. After that, I’ll like to get my masters in food science. I am also starting my classes to become a breastfeeding specialist since my medical background is in OBGYN and pediatrics. Everything I have learned over the years have now come full circle.

[@nooranhassan3775]

That’s what ive been trying to tell ppl when they tell me “you should work in a hospital” my degree is in Nutrition and Food. Which leaves me just as a nutritionist. In order to be a registered dietician i need to follow everything you said!!! Now the question is, can i get that rd next to me my name?

[@mirunapopescu]

As far as I know, in Romania we only have "nutriționist". They go to medical school like everyone else, no way around it 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sure, people who aren't doctors can give nutritional advice, but as far as I know, there's no specific term for them. I think it depends on the trend. Atm they might call themselves coaches This is very useful to me because, given that "nutriționist" literally translates to "nutritionist", I wouldn't have realized that anglophones calling themselves nutritionists might not actually be medical doctors (like I generally understand them to be)

[@tiffanysuth]

I always remember it as dietician= D, doctor and nutritionist= N, not a doctor

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

RDs are not MDs lol nor do they have 8 year degrees but 4 year degrees.

[@juliersawyer7047]

THANK YOU ❤

[@ravenrespawns]

I'm studying nutrition diploma atm but I'm hoping meal plans and such will help me build an online job to go back to school to become a dietitian. It could take me up to ten years because I need to restudy my science. As a nutritionist I can help with meal plans with requested ideas but I can't treat celiac or anything of the sort but that's why I want to go to school again Dietitian is protected the same way in the UK

[@lisaguam9928]

This is helpful info. Thx

[@caesiusgeo]

My experience is that nutritionists are very judgemental It's also hard to see the benefit of someone who puts a government "food plate" in front of you, which is what I experienced with the dietician

[@penguinqueen1462]

Preach girl!

[@michaelrauch8629]

Beyond helpful

[@leeleemartinez5319]

I found that out the hard way! A good friend of mine paid for my classes to be a certified Nutritionist through the International Sports Science Association. I finished and received my certification but im not allowed to provide Nutrition advice for specific conditions, and can't make personalized mealplans for clients, just give suggestions. I was really bummed out cause i wanted to make personalized mealplans for type 1 and 2 diabetes and people with hypertension.

[@steener5884]

I actually wish I knew this when I went to a nutritionist (many years ago) for my eating disorder and she did not help the way I wanted 🤷🏽‍♀️ when you obsess over food for years you kinda know the basics of what you’re ‘supposed’ to do.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

When one has an eating disorder, a psychologist or a psychiatrist is needed more than a dietitian because it's not about the food itself, but more about the relationship with food.

[@nixasteria]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y dietitians and phycologists and therapists can actually work together on this. I agree that someone probably shouldn’t seek only a dietitian if they can also meet with a mental health specialist. There are actually dietitians who specialize with working with those with eating disorders.

[@alizeematon9633]

Thank YOU!!

[@capricorngarnet8695]

Smart Admirable ❤