21 mars 2023
Nutritionist or dietician, which one to consult? If their areas of expertise revolve around food, the two professions differ on several points.
If you want to lose weight or be treated for eating disorders, who should you consult? A nutritionist or a dietitian? Because no, the two professions are not equivalent.
The nutritionist, a health professional
A nutritionist is in fact a “nutritionist doctor”. Clearly, he graduated in medicine with a specialization in nutrition. In this context, he may be required to prescribe biological examinations, such as blood tests for example to look for possible deficiencies. He can also prescribe medication or food supplements.
As a doctor specializing in nutrition, he can also be involved in the care and follow-up of patients suffering from eating disorders.
The dietician, a food technician
For his part, the dietician is a professional practicing in the paramedical field. He is a food technician who puts the sciences of nutrition into practice. His training (most often a dietary BTS or a BUT – biological engineering specialization in dietetics) allows him to accompany and adapt to his “patients” to adapt the diet to the age, weight, or tastes of each.
Its action is therefore both preventive (cardiovascular risks, for example) and curative (to solve problems of overweight or obesity, etc.). But, as you have understood, he is not authorized to prescribe medical examinations or medication.