What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?

A dietitian is a health professional who has undertaken 3 years of extensive undergrad studies in human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, and human nutrition, with further post-graduate studies in nutrition and dietetics totaling around 4 or 5 years of tertiary study. During this study, dietitians have undergone extensive evaluation, supervision and inter-professional collaboration to meet strict criteria to be able to practice as a dietitian with a high level of knowledge and expertise.

All dietitians in Australia are required to be registered as Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) and Accredited Nutritionists (ANs) with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). APDs are the only nutrition professionals recognised by Medicare, Department of Veteran Affairs and most private health funds to provide services and dietary advice to members of the public.

There is no regulatory body that governs who can call themselves a nutritionist. This means that anyone (even without any tertiary or other formal qualifications in nutrition) can call themselves a nutritionist. This leads to misinformation and potentially dangerous dietary advice often not based on scientific and evidence-based research. Many registries of nutritionists do not regulate their members and therefore, are not bound by a professional code of conduct or ethical practice meaning that they can say what they want without repercussions. Most nutritionist have undergone tertiary studies and usually work in the community and public health providing accurate and evidence based general healthy eating and nutritional advice as well as health promotion.

The KEY difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian is that nutritionists are not able to provide individualised advice or meal plans to any members of the public especially those with chronic disease or other health condition requiring the expertise of an APD.

How do you come up with the fees you charge?

The fee associated with a dietetic consultation takes into account the dietitians experience, qualifications, expertise and one-on-one time with the dietitian. Other expenses associated with running a business are also factored into the fee. These include: practice rent; tax; professional fees; insurance; superannuation and, time outside of the consultation to work with doctors and other service providers looking after your care.