Understand the 4 key distinctions between a dietitian and a nutrition specialist.

Posted by Alvin Smith on July 18th, 2022

If you love to stay fit and want to turn your passion into a full-blown career, you may have heard about dietitians and nutritionist. These are the two most common terms which you may have heard interchangeably. Most people think these two are the same things, but there are differences in both terms. Let us tell you about the differences between dietitians and nutritionists.

The Term Dietitian Is Regulated Whereas Nutritionist Is Not

To call themselves dietitians, you must meet specific professional needs and have a specific body. You may also have to pass an exam to get the license to become a dietitian. Various diet and nutrition courses in India can help you become the best dietitian in the field.

This is because the dietetics field is medical and diagnostic in nature. In addition, whereas the law does not regulate nutritionists, anyone without a degree or license can call themselves a nutritionist. This makes it hard to differentiate between those with proper knowledge and those who are self-claiming. As such, in some countries, people refer to themselves as registered nutritionists.

Both Study Similar Subjects But Courses Change During The Study

There is a similar framework on the syllabus for nutritionists and dietetics. In both courses, students will start with the basics of food and biology and take modules such as physiology and anatomy, food science, genetics, and food preparation.

Throughout the course, nutritionists will dig deep into the nutrition modules, learn more about the nutrition program planning and assessment, and learn about sports and physical activity.

Dietitians Work With Sick and Healthy People

Dietitians are the professionals who can promote nutritional health and treat medical conditions with the help of medical nutrition treatment. After the nutrition courses in Mumbai, you will work closely with people with chronic diseases and help them adopt a better diet. For instance, a dietitian will make a comprehensive meal plan for someone with diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol to help them get better.

Nutritionists are more focused on promoting a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. Their job is not to treat individuals with diseases. Instead, they closely work with those who want to enhance their nutritional intake and lifestyle by adopting better food choices.

Dietitians and Nutritionists Have Work Settings

Although both the professionals have a similar role, which is to promote health via good food intake, after a diet and nutrition course in Mumbai, you will have to work in different settings. For example, suppose you want to become a dietitian. In that case, you will have to work in medical settings such as the hospital and clinics, where you will have to do nutritional assessments on patients and provide them with different diets to help them treat their medical conditions.

Nutritionists work in commercial settings such as wellness centers or gyms. You can also get an opportunity to work in nutritional supplement companies where you will have to offer dietary consultations and develop a meal plan for your clients. Nutrition and dietetics courses in Mumbai will also allow you to work in health food restaurants and large companies with in-house cafes where you can help develop better and healthy food menus.

Conclusion

These are the differences between the dietitian and nutritionist. Although these professions involve working in the same industry, you will have to develop different skills to perform different parts of the job. Therefore, make sure to take on the diet and nutrition courses in India to develop your skills.