Key Difference – Dietician vs Nutritionist
Dietician and nutritionist are two words between which a key difference can be identified. In a world hit by media frenzy, the idea of looking healthy is a trending thought now. This not only involves looking into exercise plans of celebrities such as yoga, pilates, and belly dancing but also involves the kind of food that needs to be taken to maintain a healthy figure. Food and its components have a lot of effect on the overall result of a workout plan. Trainers, not only develop an exercise plan for people but also develop a meal plan for those interested according to the type of body structure a person has, the amount of fat they need to lose and the amount of muscle they need to gain. In such a context, the stress laid on nutritionists and dieticians are very high. Through this article let us examine the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist.
Who is a Dietician?
A Dietician is a person who is an expert in the field of diet. A dietician is responsible to give advice to the clients relating to diet and helping in promoting a healthy eating lifestyle. They are also responsible for researching in nutritional values and forming diets according to their client’s needs. A dietician is also required to meet strict guidelines in order to acquire a certification so that they can start their consultation process. In the United States, the dieticians are under the regulations of the American Dietic Association.
It is important to note that a dietician has more credentials than a nutritionist since a dietician is registered and knows how to analyze and interpret the nutritional information of foods. They know how to adopt the nutrition and in what quantities with the medical history and the supplements a person is currently taking. Dieticians have the knowledge of science that shows deeply in their research.
Who is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is solely responsible for researching into finding the nutritional information of food items. The nutritional values present on the back of the food wrappers are formed under the guidelines presented by expert nutritionists. Nutritionists are required to study food and nutrition in a manner to analyze the nutrition that will create nutrient deficiencies, how much amount to take under certain ailments and how to manage the nutritional components in a diet. It is safe to call nutritionists, health specialists.
Unlike a dietician, a nutritionist lacks certification. Also, he may not have an extensive knowledge to probe into intricacies involving nutrition. However, they can advice on what diets to adopt. A nutritionist in most cases does not have the credentials to back up their findings as thorough facts.
Both nutritionists and dieticians are a healthy option and a good investment for those individuals who can afford them. It is generally said, that it is better to adopt the services of a dietician because of their certification and extensive knowledge, getting advice from a nutritionist can be as helpful and many are present online to divulge their knowledge to those who are interested.
What is the Difference Between a Dietician and Nutritionist?
Definitions of Dietician and Nutritionist:
Dietician: A Dietician is a person who is an expert in the field of diet.
Nutritionist: A nutritionist is solely responsible for researching into finding the nutritional information of food items.
Characteristics of Dietician and Nutritionist:
Knowledge of Science:
Dietician: Dieticians have the knowledge of science that shows deeply in their research.
Nutritionist: A nutritionist in most cases does not have the credentials to back up their findings as thorough facts.
Certification:
Dietician: A dietician has more credentials since he is registered and knows how to analyze and interpret the nutritional information of foods.
Nutritionist: A nutritionist, however, is not registered.
Image Courtesy:
1. Healthy Soul with Gina Keatley “Treasuring the Tea” By Uncanned (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Joanne M. Holden By USDA Agricultural Research Service, Keith Weller [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
