What Does a Dietitian Do for You?

If you’re struggling with your diet or nutrition—whether it’s weight management, chronic conditions, gut health, or even mood and mental well-being—seeing a Registered Dietitian can take the guesswork out of your eating habits and provide personalized guidance to help you feel your best.

While most people are great at Googling, the Internet doesn’t have the same background and expertise as Registered Dietitians. Registered dietitians are certified experts in nutrition and food with the knowledge to offer evidence-based advice tailored to your unique needs. 

If you want to stop playing guessing games about what to eat, how much, and when, seeing a Registered Dietitian is your first step to feeling better—no matter what your health concerns may be.

Talk to a Real Dietitian

Skip forums—get answers tailored to you in a 45-minute consultation.

Talk to an RD

Talk to a Real Dietitian

Skip forums—get answers tailored to you in a 45-minute consultation.

Talk to an RD

What Are Dietitians?

Registered Dietitians (RDs), also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), are highly trained and certified experts in nutrition. 

RDs have completed degrees in nutrition, including classes in biochemistry, biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, culinary science, nutrition counseling, and more.

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nutrition or dietetics is required, and many RDs also have their Master of Science (MS) in nutrition. As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which oversees the certification of dietitians in the U.S., announced that a Master’s degree is now required for people seeking to become RDs.

RDs must receive national and state licensure through board exams, complete over 1,000 hours of clinical training in a dietetic internship, and maintain ongoing continuing education. 

Some RDs undergo additional training to get specialized certifications and offer advanced, personalized care for conditions like digestive disorders, obesity, and pediatric nutrition. The currently available specializations for RDs are: 

• Board Certified Specialist in Digestive Health 
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management
• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics

If you need advanced care for one of these conditions or situations, consider looking for an RD with the appropriate certification. 

What Do Dietitians Do?

Dietitians use their knowledge and education to counsel and educate you on topics related to: 

• Metabolism, Nutrition Science, and Biochemistry: Dietitians are trained to understand how your body processes food, breaks down nutrients, and uses them for energy. They use this knowledge to recommend food choices that support your individual needs, whether you’re trying to boost energy levels, optimize digestion, or maintain a healthy weight.
• Weight Management: RDs can create customized weight management plans personalized to your lifestyle, goals, and medical history while meeting nutritional needs. RDs can help you identify mindsets or behaviors that are holding you back on your weight loss journey, including supporting a healthier relationship with food.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Dietitians specialize in using nutrition to manage various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, digestive issues (like IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease), kidney disorders, and more. With a customized approach, dietitians can help you make food choices that support your treatment plan and improve your overall well-being.
• Nutrition Counseling: RDs offer one-on-one nutrition counseling and education to help you meet your health goals. 

How Can a Dietitian Help Me?

A dietitian can help you in several different ways, such as: 

• Providing personalized nutrition advice: One of the main benefits of seeing a dietitian is that you get personalized guidance that is unique to you—and only you! Dietitians work one-on-one with clients to assess their unique health needs and goals, tailoring advice to support their health journey.
• Creating meal plans: Based on your health status (such as managing chronic conditions, weight management, or food preferences), a dietitian will create a nutrition or meal plan that aligns with medical and lifestyle goals.
• Nutrition education: Dietitians educate you on the importance of nutrition and how food affects your body, including practical and sustainable tips for healthy eating that work for you. 
• Holistic health care: Dietitians don’t just focus on food—they understand the connection between nutrition and other aspects of wellness. Addressing factors like stress, sleep, exercise, and mental health can help you achieve a balanced, sustainable approach to living your healthiest life.

Creating goals and behavior change: Dietitians work with you to develop realistic and achievable goals that work for you. They also provide practical strategies for behavior change, such as helping you stick to a balanced eating routine or learning how to manage cravings.

Is It Better To See a Nutritionist or a Dietitian?

The nomenclature of dietitians can be confusing, as the terms RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are interchangeable. However, someone using just the term “Nutritionist” is different. 

The terms “nutritionist” or “health coach” are not regulated or standardized terms—anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without undergoing certifications, designated coursework, and passing exams.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean that nutritionists and health coaches are not knowledgeable, people using these terms do not have to undergo the same qualifying standards for education, clinical training, or licensure as RDs.

Essentially, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.

What Can’t Dietitians Do?

While dietitians can assist with many aspects of your health, certain things fall outside their scope of practice and are best left to your doctors or other healthcare providers.

First, RDs cannot diagnose a health condition. While they can help you manage your condition through medical nutrition therapy (MNT), they cannot give you a diagnosis that you don’t already have. You need to consult with a doctor or other medical professional for a proper diagnosis.

RDs also cannot prescribe any medications. They can recommend supplements but not pharmaceuticals. Lastly, in most cases (especially in telehealth settings), RDs cannot directly order or request lab work (such as blood tests) because this typically requires a physician’s order. RDs can help you interpret your lab work or recommend that your doctor order a lab test, but they cannot order it directly.

The Bottom Line: Should You See a Dietitian?

If you’re ready to make lasting changes to your diet, manage a health condition, or simply feel your best (without asking Dr. Google for help), seeing a Registered Dietitian could be the right choice for you. RDs have the expertise, guidance, and support you need to reach your health goals—and it’s all personalized, just for you. 

Want to see what an RD can do for you? Book an introductory consultation with one of our RDs today!