If you’re looking for a nutrition professional to help you lose weight, you may be surprised by all the choices out there. There are a lot of terms that get thrown around including dietitian, nutritionist, nutrition coach, health coach, and others. But who should you trust for safe weight loss? In this article, we’ll compare dietitian vs. nutritionist to help you figure the right call!
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Even though the terms dietitian and nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences.
Education and Certification Requirements
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or certifications. On the other hand, a registered dietitian is a credentialed health professional that must meet certain criteria in order to earn and maintain their registration.
A registered dietitian, often called “dietitian” or “RD” for short, can also use the title registered dietitian nutritionist (or RDN). Therefore, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians must complete college coursework in many areas of food and nutrition such as biochemistry, nutritional sciences, physiology, counseling, and psychology. They also have to complete a rigorous supervised practice program before passing a national board examination. As of 2024, dietitians also must complete a minimum of a graduate degree in order to sit for the RD exam.
Once credentialed, dietitians are required to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to maintain registration.
What about nutritionists?
There are no education requirements, no board exams, and no continuing education hours required in order to use the term “nutritionist”.
Scope of Practice and Areas of Expertise
In general, nutritionists can provide broad nutrition education to healthy people. For example, they could teach someone how to make healthier choices at a restaurant. Beyond that, the scope of practice for a nutritionist will depend on the laws of your state. Many states only allow licensed dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
When a dietitian practices MNT, they can give you individualized nutrition recommendations based on your medical conditions and unique needs. MNT includes the management and prevention of a wide range of health conditions.
Dietitians can even earn advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice. For example, a dietitian can become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
The Role of a Dietitian in Safe Weight Loss
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Weight Management
As discussed above, dietitians have the training and experience to practice MNT. Since overweight is considered a condition and obesity is classified as a disease, both of these would benefit from MNT. Also, if you have any other health condition going on such as diabetes or kidney disease, seeing a dietitian is a great option for safe care.
Since MNT also includes prevention of diseases, working with a dietitian for weight management could also help your overall health. If you have prediabetes for example, a dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to help with both weight management and to support lowering your A1C.
Many health insurance plans cover MNT, so you may be able to see a weight management dietitian for little to no cost. Your plan may only cover nutrition services from a registered dietitian and would likely not cover an uncredentialed nutritionist. That’s just one more reason to choose a dietitian!
Click here to find your weight management registered dietitian, covered by insurance
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss
Registered dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutritionist practice. This means that dietitians make recommendations based on what the latest scientific evidence says. They are not to be swayed by the latest nutrition trends or diet fads. Dietitians who specialize in weight loss know how to create plans that are safe, effective, and can provide sustainable results.
How Nutritionists Can Support Weight Loss Goals
Developing Personalized Nutrition Plans
While a dietitian is the better choice for developing individualized plans, a nutritionist could support a healthy person who wants to improve their diet in order to lose weight.
A nutritionist could create a meal plan based on food preferences. Depending on the state, only a licensed dietitian can provide these types of plans in the context of MNT.
If you’re considering working with a nutritionist for meal plans, be sure to ask about their training and experience first.
Wellness Coaching and General Health Advice
Some who use the title nutritionist may also call themselves health coaches or say that they provide nutrition coaching. This coaching could include providing support and accountability to help you make changes to your lifestyle and nutrition. For example, the nutritionist may help you schedule meal planning into your day or cheer you on when you try a new recipe.
It’s important to note that dietitians also provide this coaching and accountability. So if you’re looking for anything beyond general wellness, a dietitian is the way to go!
Which Professional Is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Considerations for Choosing Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Here’s when you should choose a registered dietitian for weight loss:
You have a disease or condition
You want to prevent a disease or condition
You’re looking to use your insurance for nutrition services
You want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced and credentialed professional
Here’s when you could see a nutritionist:
You want advice on general healthy eating
You’re looking for wellness coaching outside of a disease or condition
When to Seek a Dietitian for Medical Conditions
Since dietitians are medical professionals, doctors will typically recommend seeing a registered dietitian if they think their patients need nutrition services. Even if your doctor doesn’t make a formal referral, you can still see a dietitian. Click here to get matched with a dietitian today!
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Safe Weight Loss
At Season, our weight management dietitians are changing lives every day! Here is just a small snapshot of the incredible feedback we’ve heard from clients:
“Season has helped me incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. I’ve lost 15 lbs since starting with Season.”
"I’m happy to share that I broke through my weight loss plateau. I’ve now lost 10 pounds since starting with the Season program. While the weight loss is exciting, there’s a more meaningful change going on; hope 💗"
“I learned how much weight has an impact on your health. Because, like I said I’ve been diabetic for a long time and I’ve always been overweight but I didn’t realize how much better it would by losing 30 lbs. I know it’s not that difficult to understand but I didn’t think I would see the results so clearly. That losing this weight made a huge difference. I’ve lost 35 lbs. It’s made a big difference.” -Terrie
Click here to start your weight loss journey with a Season Dietitian!
If you’re looking for a nutrition professional to help you lose weight, you may be surprised by all the choices out there. There are a lot of terms that get thrown around including dietitian, nutritionist, nutrition coach, health coach, and others. But who should you trust for safe weight loss? In this article, we’ll compare dietitian vs. nutritionist to help you figure the right call!
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Even though the terms dietitian and nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences.
Education and Certification Requirements
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or certifications. On the other hand, a registered dietitian is a credentialed health professional that must meet certain criteria in order to earn and maintain their registration.
A registered dietitian, often called “dietitian” or “RD” for short, can also use the title registered dietitian nutritionist (or RDN). Therefore, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians must complete college coursework in many areas of food and nutrition such as biochemistry, nutritional sciences, physiology, counseling, and psychology. They also have to complete a rigorous supervised practice program before passing a national board examination. As of 2024, dietitians also must complete a minimum of a graduate degree in order to sit for the RD exam.
Once credentialed, dietitians are required to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to maintain registration.
What about nutritionists?
There are no education requirements, no board exams, and no continuing education hours required in order to use the term “nutritionist”.
Scope of Practice and Areas of Expertise
In general, nutritionists can provide broad nutrition education to healthy people. For example, they could teach someone how to make healthier choices at a restaurant. Beyond that, the scope of practice for a nutritionist will depend on the laws of your state. Many states only allow licensed dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
When a dietitian practices MNT, they can give you individualized nutrition recommendations based on your medical conditions and unique needs. MNT includes the management and prevention of a wide range of health conditions.
Dietitians can even earn advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice. For example, a dietitian can become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
The Role of a Dietitian in Safe Weight Loss
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Weight Management
As discussed above, dietitians have the training and experience to practice MNT. Since overweight is considered a condition and obesity is classified as a disease, both of these would benefit from MNT. Also, if you have any other health condition going on such as diabetes or kidney disease, seeing a dietitian is a great option for safe care.
Since MNT also includes prevention of diseases, working with a dietitian for weight management could also help your overall health. If you have prediabetes for example, a dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to help with both weight management and to support lowering your A1C.
Many health insurance plans cover MNT, so you may be able to see a weight management dietitian for little to no cost. Your plan may only cover nutrition services from a registered dietitian and would likely not cover an uncredentialed nutritionist. That’s just one more reason to choose a dietitian!
Click here to find your weight management registered dietitian, covered by insurance
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss
Registered dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutritionist practice. This means that dietitians make recommendations based on what the latest scientific evidence says. They are not to be swayed by the latest nutrition trends or diet fads. Dietitians who specialize in weight loss know how to create plans that are safe, effective, and can provide sustainable results.
How Nutritionists Can Support Weight Loss Goals
Developing Personalized Nutrition Plans
While a dietitian is the better choice for developing individualized plans, a nutritionist could support a healthy person who wants to improve their diet in order to lose weight.
A nutritionist could create a meal plan based on food preferences. Depending on the state, only a licensed dietitian can provide these types of plans in the context of MNT.
If you’re considering working with a nutritionist for meal plans, be sure to ask about their training and experience first.
Wellness Coaching and General Health Advice
Some who use the title nutritionist may also call themselves health coaches or say that they provide nutrition coaching. This coaching could include providing support and accountability to help you make changes to your lifestyle and nutrition. For example, the nutritionist may help you schedule meal planning into your day or cheer you on when you try a new recipe.
It’s important to note that dietitians also provide this coaching and accountability. So if you’re looking for anything beyond general wellness, a dietitian is the way to go!
Which Professional Is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Considerations for Choosing Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Here’s when you should choose a registered dietitian for weight loss:
You have a disease or condition
You want to prevent a disease or condition
You’re looking to use your insurance for nutrition services
You want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced and credentialed professional
Here’s when you could see a nutritionist:
You want advice on general healthy eating
You’re looking for wellness coaching outside of a disease or condition
When to Seek a Dietitian for Medical Conditions
Since dietitians are medical professionals, doctors will typically recommend seeing a registered dietitian if they think their patients need nutrition services. Even if your doctor doesn’t make a formal referral, you can still see a dietitian. Click here to get matched with a dietitian today!
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Safe Weight Loss
At Season, our weight management dietitians are changing lives every day! Here is just a small snapshot of the incredible feedback we’ve heard from clients:
“Season has helped me incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. I’ve lost 15 lbs since starting with Season.”
"I’m happy to share that I broke through my weight loss plateau. I’ve now lost 10 pounds since starting with the Season program. While the weight loss is exciting, there’s a more meaningful change going on; hope 💗"
“I learned how much weight has an impact on your health. Because, like I said I’ve been diabetic for a long time and I’ve always been overweight but I didn’t realize how much better it would by losing 30 lbs. I know it’s not that difficult to understand but I didn’t think I would see the results so clearly. That losing this weight made a huge difference. I’ve lost 35 lbs. It’s made a big difference.” -Terrie
Click here to start your weight loss journey with a Season Dietitian!
If you’re looking for a nutrition professional to help you lose weight, you may be surprised by all the choices out there. There are a lot of terms that get thrown around including dietitian, nutritionist, nutrition coach, health coach, and others. But who should you trust for safe weight loss? In this article, we’ll compare dietitian vs. nutritionist to help you figure the right call!
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Even though the terms dietitian and nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences.
Education and Certification Requirements
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or certifications. On the other hand, a registered dietitian is a credentialed health professional that must meet certain criteria in order to earn and maintain their registration.
A registered dietitian, often called “dietitian” or “RD” for short, can also use the title registered dietitian nutritionist (or RDN). Therefore, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians must complete college coursework in many areas of food and nutrition such as biochemistry, nutritional sciences, physiology, counseling, and psychology. They also have to complete a rigorous supervised practice program before passing a national board examination. As of 2024, dietitians also must complete a minimum of a graduate degree in order to sit for the RD exam.
Once credentialed, dietitians are required to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to maintain registration.
What about nutritionists?
There are no education requirements, no board exams, and no continuing education hours required in order to use the term “nutritionist”.
Scope of Practice and Areas of Expertise
In general, nutritionists can provide broad nutrition education to healthy people. For example, they could teach someone how to make healthier choices at a restaurant. Beyond that, the scope of practice for a nutritionist will depend on the laws of your state. Many states only allow licensed dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
When a dietitian practices MNT, they can give you individualized nutrition recommendations based on your medical conditions and unique needs. MNT includes the management and prevention of a wide range of health conditions.
Dietitians can even earn advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice. For example, a dietitian can become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
The Role of a Dietitian in Safe Weight Loss
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Weight Management
As discussed above, dietitians have the training and experience to practice MNT. Since overweight is considered a condition and obesity is classified as a disease, both of these would benefit from MNT. Also, if you have any other health condition going on such as diabetes or kidney disease, seeing a dietitian is a great option for safe care.
Since MNT also includes prevention of diseases, working with a dietitian for weight management could also help your overall health. If you have prediabetes for example, a dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to help with both weight management and to support lowering your A1C.
Many health insurance plans cover MNT, so you may be able to see a weight management dietitian for little to no cost. Your plan may only cover nutrition services from a registered dietitian and would likely not cover an uncredentialed nutritionist. That’s just one more reason to choose a dietitian!
Click here to find your weight management registered dietitian, covered by insurance
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss
Registered dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutritionist practice. This means that dietitians make recommendations based on what the latest scientific evidence says. They are not to be swayed by the latest nutrition trends or diet fads. Dietitians who specialize in weight loss know how to create plans that are safe, effective, and can provide sustainable results.
How Nutritionists Can Support Weight Loss Goals
Developing Personalized Nutrition Plans
While a dietitian is the better choice for developing individualized plans, a nutritionist could support a healthy person who wants to improve their diet in order to lose weight.
A nutritionist could create a meal plan based on food preferences. Depending on the state, only a licensed dietitian can provide these types of plans in the context of MNT.
If you’re considering working with a nutritionist for meal plans, be sure to ask about their training and experience first.
Wellness Coaching and General Health Advice
Some who use the title nutritionist may also call themselves health coaches or say that they provide nutrition coaching. This coaching could include providing support and accountability to help you make changes to your lifestyle and nutrition. For example, the nutritionist may help you schedule meal planning into your day or cheer you on when you try a new recipe.
It’s important to note that dietitians also provide this coaching and accountability. So if you’re looking for anything beyond general wellness, a dietitian is the way to go!
Which Professional Is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Considerations for Choosing Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Here’s when you should choose a registered dietitian for weight loss:
You have a disease or condition
You want to prevent a disease or condition
You’re looking to use your insurance for nutrition services
You want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced and credentialed professional
Here’s when you could see a nutritionist:
You want advice on general healthy eating
You’re looking for wellness coaching outside of a disease or condition
When to Seek a Dietitian for Medical Conditions
Since dietitians are medical professionals, doctors will typically recommend seeing a registered dietitian if they think their patients need nutrition services. Even if your doctor doesn’t make a formal referral, you can still see a dietitian. Click here to get matched with a dietitian today!
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Safe Weight Loss
At Season, our weight management dietitians are changing lives every day! Here is just a small snapshot of the incredible feedback we’ve heard from clients:
“Season has helped me incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. I’ve lost 15 lbs since starting with Season.”
"I’m happy to share that I broke through my weight loss plateau. I’ve now lost 10 pounds since starting with the Season program. While the weight loss is exciting, there’s a more meaningful change going on; hope 💗"
“I learned how much weight has an impact on your health. Because, like I said I’ve been diabetic for a long time and I’ve always been overweight but I didn’t realize how much better it would by losing 30 lbs. I know it’s not that difficult to understand but I didn’t think I would see the results so clearly. That losing this weight made a huge difference. I’ve lost 35 lbs. It’s made a big difference.” -Terrie
Click here to start your weight loss journey with a Season Dietitian!
If you’re looking for a nutrition professional to help you lose weight, you may be surprised by all the choices out there. There are a lot of terms that get thrown around including dietitian, nutritionist, nutrition coach, health coach, and others. But who should you trust for safe weight loss? In this article, we’ll compare dietitian vs. nutritionist to help you figure the right call!
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Even though the terms dietitian and nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences.
Education and Certification Requirements
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or certifications. On the other hand, a registered dietitian is a credentialed health professional that must meet certain criteria in order to earn and maintain their registration.
A registered dietitian, often called “dietitian” or “RD” for short, can also use the title registered dietitian nutritionist (or RDN). Therefore, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians must complete college coursework in many areas of food and nutrition such as biochemistry, nutritional sciences, physiology, counseling, and psychology. They also have to complete a rigorous supervised practice program before passing a national board examination. As of 2024, dietitians also must complete a minimum of a graduate degree in order to sit for the RD exam.
Once credentialed, dietitians are required to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to maintain registration.
What about nutritionists?
There are no education requirements, no board exams, and no continuing education hours required in order to use the term “nutritionist”.
Scope of Practice and Areas of Expertise
In general, nutritionists can provide broad nutrition education to healthy people. For example, they could teach someone how to make healthier choices at a restaurant. Beyond that, the scope of practice for a nutritionist will depend on the laws of your state. Many states only allow licensed dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
When a dietitian practices MNT, they can give you individualized nutrition recommendations based on your medical conditions and unique needs. MNT includes the management and prevention of a wide range of health conditions.
Dietitians can even earn advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice. For example, a dietitian can become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
The Role of a Dietitian in Safe Weight Loss
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Weight Management
As discussed above, dietitians have the training and experience to practice MNT. Since overweight is considered a condition and obesity is classified as a disease, both of these would benefit from MNT. Also, if you have any other health condition going on such as diabetes or kidney disease, seeing a dietitian is a great option for safe care.
Since MNT also includes prevention of diseases, working with a dietitian for weight management could also help your overall health. If you have prediabetes for example, a dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to help with both weight management and to support lowering your A1C.
Many health insurance plans cover MNT, so you may be able to see a weight management dietitian for little to no cost. Your plan may only cover nutrition services from a registered dietitian and would likely not cover an uncredentialed nutritionist. That’s just one more reason to choose a dietitian!
Click here to find your weight management registered dietitian, covered by insurance
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss
Registered dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutritionist practice. This means that dietitians make recommendations based on what the latest scientific evidence says. They are not to be swayed by the latest nutrition trends or diet fads. Dietitians who specialize in weight loss know how to create plans that are safe, effective, and can provide sustainable results.
How Nutritionists Can Support Weight Loss Goals
Developing Personalized Nutrition Plans
While a dietitian is the better choice for developing individualized plans, a nutritionist could support a healthy person who wants to improve their diet in order to lose weight.
A nutritionist could create a meal plan based on food preferences. Depending on the state, only a licensed dietitian can provide these types of plans in the context of MNT.
If you’re considering working with a nutritionist for meal plans, be sure to ask about their training and experience first.
Wellness Coaching and General Health Advice
Some who use the title nutritionist may also call themselves health coaches or say that they provide nutrition coaching. This coaching could include providing support and accountability to help you make changes to your lifestyle and nutrition. For example, the nutritionist may help you schedule meal planning into your day or cheer you on when you try a new recipe.
It’s important to note that dietitians also provide this coaching and accountability. So if you’re looking for anything beyond general wellness, a dietitian is the way to go!
Which Professional Is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Considerations for Choosing Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Here’s when you should choose a registered dietitian for weight loss:
You have a disease or condition
You want to prevent a disease or condition
You’re looking to use your insurance for nutrition services
You want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced and credentialed professional
Here’s when you could see a nutritionist:
You want advice on general healthy eating
You’re looking for wellness coaching outside of a disease or condition
When to Seek a Dietitian for Medical Conditions
Since dietitians are medical professionals, doctors will typically recommend seeing a registered dietitian if they think their patients need nutrition services. Even if your doctor doesn’t make a formal referral, you can still see a dietitian. Click here to get matched with a dietitian today!
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Safe Weight Loss
At Season, our weight management dietitians are changing lives every day! Here is just a small snapshot of the incredible feedback we’ve heard from clients:
“Season has helped me incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. I’ve lost 15 lbs since starting with Season.”
"I’m happy to share that I broke through my weight loss plateau. I’ve now lost 10 pounds since starting with the Season program. While the weight loss is exciting, there’s a more meaningful change going on; hope 💗"
“I learned how much weight has an impact on your health. Because, like I said I’ve been diabetic for a long time and I’ve always been overweight but I didn’t realize how much better it would by losing 30 lbs. I know it’s not that difficult to understand but I didn’t think I would see the results so clearly. That losing this weight made a huge difference. I’ve lost 35 lbs. It’s made a big difference.” -Terrie
Click here to start your weight loss journey with a Season Dietitian!
If you’re looking for a nutrition professional to help you lose weight, you may be surprised by all the choices out there. There are a lot of terms that get thrown around including dietitian, nutritionist, nutrition coach, health coach, and others. But who should you trust for safe weight loss? In this article, we’ll compare dietitian vs. nutritionist to help you figure the right call!
Understanding the Key Differences Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Even though the terms dietitian and nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences.
Education and Certification Requirements
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or certifications. On the other hand, a registered dietitian is a credentialed health professional that must meet certain criteria in order to earn and maintain their registration.
A registered dietitian, often called “dietitian” or “RD” for short, can also use the title registered dietitian nutritionist (or RDN). Therefore, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians must complete college coursework in many areas of food and nutrition such as biochemistry, nutritional sciences, physiology, counseling, and psychology. They also have to complete a rigorous supervised practice program before passing a national board examination. As of 2024, dietitians also must complete a minimum of a graduate degree in order to sit for the RD exam.
Once credentialed, dietitians are required to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to maintain registration.
What about nutritionists?
There are no education requirements, no board exams, and no continuing education hours required in order to use the term “nutritionist”.
Scope of Practice and Areas of Expertise
In general, nutritionists can provide broad nutrition education to healthy people. For example, they could teach someone how to make healthier choices at a restaurant. Beyond that, the scope of practice for a nutritionist will depend on the laws of your state. Many states only allow licensed dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
When a dietitian practices MNT, they can give you individualized nutrition recommendations based on your medical conditions and unique needs. MNT includes the management and prevention of a wide range of health conditions.
Dietitians can even earn advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice. For example, a dietitian can become a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
The Role of a Dietitian in Safe Weight Loss
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Weight Management
As discussed above, dietitians have the training and experience to practice MNT. Since overweight is considered a condition and obesity is classified as a disease, both of these would benefit from MNT. Also, if you have any other health condition going on such as diabetes or kidney disease, seeing a dietitian is a great option for safe care.
Since MNT also includes prevention of diseases, working with a dietitian for weight management could also help your overall health. If you have prediabetes for example, a dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to help with both weight management and to support lowering your A1C.
Many health insurance plans cover MNT, so you may be able to see a weight management dietitian for little to no cost. Your plan may only cover nutrition services from a registered dietitian and would likely not cover an uncredentialed nutritionist. That’s just one more reason to choose a dietitian!
Click here to find your weight management registered dietitian, covered by insurance
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss
Registered dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutritionist practice. This means that dietitians make recommendations based on what the latest scientific evidence says. They are not to be swayed by the latest nutrition trends or diet fads. Dietitians who specialize in weight loss know how to create plans that are safe, effective, and can provide sustainable results.
How Nutritionists Can Support Weight Loss Goals
Developing Personalized Nutrition Plans
While a dietitian is the better choice for developing individualized plans, a nutritionist could support a healthy person who wants to improve their diet in order to lose weight.
A nutritionist could create a meal plan based on food preferences. Depending on the state, only a licensed dietitian can provide these types of plans in the context of MNT.
If you’re considering working with a nutritionist for meal plans, be sure to ask about their training and experience first.
Wellness Coaching and General Health Advice
Some who use the title nutritionist may also call themselves health coaches or say that they provide nutrition coaching. This coaching could include providing support and accountability to help you make changes to your lifestyle and nutrition. For example, the nutritionist may help you schedule meal planning into your day or cheer you on when you try a new recipe.
It’s important to note that dietitians also provide this coaching and accountability. So if you’re looking for anything beyond general wellness, a dietitian is the way to go!
Which Professional Is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Considerations for Choosing Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Here’s when you should choose a registered dietitian for weight loss:
You have a disease or condition
You want to prevent a disease or condition
You’re looking to use your insurance for nutrition services
You want to be sure that you’re working with an experienced and credentialed professional
Here’s when you could see a nutritionist:
You want advice on general healthy eating
You’re looking for wellness coaching outside of a disease or condition
When to Seek a Dietitian for Medical Conditions
Since dietitians are medical professionals, doctors will typically recommend seeing a registered dietitian if they think their patients need nutrition services. Even if your doctor doesn’t make a formal referral, you can still see a dietitian. Click here to get matched with a dietitian today!
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Safe Weight Loss
At Season, our weight management dietitians are changing lives every day! Here is just a small snapshot of the incredible feedback we’ve heard from clients:
“Season has helped me incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. I’ve lost 15 lbs since starting with Season.”
"I’m happy to share that I broke through my weight loss plateau. I’ve now lost 10 pounds since starting with the Season program. While the weight loss is exciting, there’s a more meaningful change going on; hope 💗"
“I learned how much weight has an impact on your health. Because, like I said I’ve been diabetic for a long time and I’ve always been overweight but I didn’t realize how much better it would by losing 30 lbs. I know it’s not that difficult to understand but I didn’t think I would see the results so clearly. That losing this weight made a huge difference. I’ve lost 35 lbs. It’s made a big difference.” -Terrie
Click here to start your weight loss journey with a Season Dietitian!
