Why you should see a dietitian

First, you might be wondering what IS a dietitian? Dietitians are qualified health professionals who specialize in nutrition, diet and the human body. They work in a range of fields from clinical nutrition, to food service, public health, research, counseling, pediatrics, women’s health and more. To become a dietitian in the United States, you must complete a qualifying dietetics study program (as of 2024, a masters degree is required), a 1200-hour supervised practice dietetic internship, and pass the commission on dietetic registration exam. In many states (Florida included), licensing is required. This is why “dietitian” is not synonymous with “nutritionist”. Dietitians are regulated practitioners, nutritionists are not, and anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” without obtaining credentialing or further education. 

When you meet with a dietitian you can be sure that you are meeting with an expert. Dietitians are leaders in the field of nutrition and to maintain the title of dietitian, continuing education and re-certification is required, ensuring practitioners are staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices. 

Why would someone need a dietitian? There are many reasons to meet with a dietitian: a new chronic illness diagnosis, weight challenges, hormone issues, pregnancy/postpartum, menopause, food allergies/intolerances, thyroid disease, and the list goes on. Your MD or DO can only bring you so far– they are simply not as versed in nutrition and dietetics as registered dietitians are (and they shouldn’t be– they have enough to learn in their many years of school). This is what dietitians do– focus entirely on the nutritional aspects of health allowing them to fill in the gaps your doctor may be missing and provide a more comprehensive approach to your health and wellness.

What can a dietitian do for you? As the Mayo Clinic put it “Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioral science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape the dietary choices of healthy and sick people.” Wherever you fall in the spectrum of health and wellness, a dietitian can help you to reach your individual goals through a mix or research-based practice, behavior change strategies and diverse clinical and public health knowledge. 

Reach out today to see how a dietitian can help YOU.