Both dietitians and nutritionists provide services to clients that are based on nutrition. A dietitian is a type of nutritionist, however, a nutritionist cannot be a dietitian without completing a university degree in dietetics (eg a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics).

The title ‘nutritionist’ is a title that anyone may call themselves, including those who have completed a basic course in nutrition. However, ‘nutritionists’ who do not have a dietetics degree, are not regulated by a national professional industry body, and the title nutritionist is thus not a protected or regulated position. This means that anyone could call themselves a nutritionist without meeting any particular accreditation requirement, for example, a fitness trainer who completes a basic course in nutrition.

Dietitians on the other hand cannot call themselves a dietitian or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian unless they have completed the relevant requirements by a regulated body and maintain these requirements to continue their registration as a dietitian. In Australia, these requirements are set out by Dietitians Australia, where dietitians must complete supervised work on the job as well as other requirements after they complete their university studies in order to become and remain accredited.

Dietitians often assist in achieving better physical health, mental health and wellbeing through tailored and individualised dietetic interventions. Whether you’re looking to better understand good nutrition and food, looking for a specific meal plan, wanting dietary advice to help reduce symptoms of a medical or psychological condition or wanting to get the cutting edge in your sports performance, our dietitian services have you covered.

At initial consultation with our dietitian, they will ask you about what has been going well for you, what you’ve been struggling with and what you’re wanting help with. They will help you to set clear goals to work towards with regards to your physical health and wellbeing. They will also take important background information about you relevant to your presenting concerns and goals. Additionally, your dietitian may also take some measurements such as your height, current weight and other body measurements. They will then provide you some suggestions on some goals to consider working on whilst coming up with a clear plan moving forward on how you will work together to achieve these goals.

After your initial consultation, at follow-up consultations, your dietitian will review your progress, answer any of your questions as well as continue to provide you with more information and suggestions to make sure that you’re continuing to work on your set goals.

How many times you will need to see the dietitian will vary from person to person, however the dietitian will likely be able to give you an approximation at your initial appointment.