What are the differences between a dietician and a nutritionist?

In terms of food, we all have different needs. Weight loss, diabetes, special diets… So many situations can lead us to consult a professional. Yes, but which one? What is the difference between dietician and nutritionist? And above all, if you want to lose weight, which of the two to consult?

Two different roles

First major difference: the nutritionist doctor is a doctor, while the dietician is not. In his capacity as a doctor, the nutritionist is therefore required toprevent and detect diseases and disordersrelated to nutrition, to treat diseases such as obesity, diabetes, intolerances … It is also there tomanage eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia or food phobias. By his status, the nutritionist doctor can also prescribe examinations or medications.

The dietician is ahealth professionaland has a rather different role. His work is rather focused on arebalancing of the diet, with a view to weight loss or theimplementation of special diets (salt-free diet,…). He is therefore in a role of trainer, prevention and food monitoring. He develops personalized food programs adapted to each of his patients. It also follows their evolution. The dietician bases his work on the age and needs of his patients. He can intervene with young children, adolescents or adults. They may work in collaboration with a doctor.

What training for which profession?

The difference between dietician and nutritionist therefore begins at the studies. Aftersix years in medicine, the nutritionist doctor can embark on several paths. He can practice his internship with aspecialty in endoctrinology-diabetology. He can then continue with aPhD in nutrition (which most often leads to research). He can also follow a University Diploma (DU) orInter-University Diploma (IUD) in nutrition. However, these last two diplomas are not recognized by the National Council of the Order of Physicians.

The dietician for his part, will most often have to start with a Scientific Baccalaureate, a Bac STL (Sciences and Technology of Laboratories) or a Bac ST2S (Sciences and technologies of health and social). He will then commit to aDietetic BTSover two years (sometimes three if he chooses an option). Otherwise, he can choose to do aUniversity Diploma of Technology (DUT) in Biological Engineering, dietetics option  in two years. 

What are the consultation conditions?

Another difference between dietitian and nutritionist: the consultation conditions. By his status as a health professional, the dietitian isfree to set his feestag. The latter will therefore depend on the location of the practitioner, his diplomas and specialties, as well as his way of working. The price range is usually between 25 and 70 €. He can exercise in a liberal profession, in a hospital environment, in connection with doctors. He can also work for local authorities (school or company canteens, etc.). As he is not a doctor,his fees are not covered by Social Securitytag. But some mutuals partially reimburse the consultations.

The nutritionist doctor is also quite free of his fees. Depending on the place and its specialities, the price can be between 20 and 90 €. He can practice in a hospital, in a liberal profession or even at home, which can influence his fees. GoalSocial Security covers the reimbursementon the basis of a consultation with the doctor, ie 25 €, with the possibility of exceeding fees. Some mutuals can also complete the reimbursement.

Dietitian or nutritionist, who to consult to lose weight?

Your general practitioner is a good adviser  : he will be able to direct you to the appropriate specialist, from a medical point of view.

• If your wish to lose weight is simply part of a perspective of well-being , without serious health problems, the dietician seems to be the ideal interlocutor.
• If your overweight is caused by a serious pathology ( TCA , cholesterol, Diabetes , heart disease), it might be wiser to consult a member of the medical profession, such as a nutritionist.

In addition, monitoring weight loss must be done in the best possible conditions, because the process can be complex and generate frustrations. Also, it is essential to have a good relationship with the practitioner from the start. A good consultation must take place ina benevolent climate, based on exchange and dialoguetag. Indeed the professional must know your diet (nature, habits, tastes, frequency), your lifestyle and your background, before proposing any diet.

Finally, pay close attention to the practitioner’s speech. If he does not take the time to listen to you, while promising you a record weight loss in a minimal time, prefer another person. The right professional will be the one who knows how to setsimple and reasonable goalsfor the patient, and will follow him duly throughout the process.