Dietitian or nutritionist?

Overweight, chronic disease ... Sometimes, eating healthy does not just happen. It is thus sometimes necessary to consult a nutritionist or dietitian, to better balance their diet. We are giving an update on these two professions.




Nutritionist or dietitian?
It is not necessarily easy to make a difference. Yet, when one is faced with a problem of nutrition or a disease requiring special monitoring, it is important to find the right person.

Dietitian or nutritionist: what training?

Dietitian or nutritionist? Dietitians have a degree of state: BTS or DUT dietetics. They exercise their profession in a cabinet, a liberal, or in various health facilities and catering. As they share their know-how both in collaboration with physicians in hospitals and within communities such as schools or businesses.

The nutritionist has, meanwhile, trained in basic medical endocrinology, pediatrics, general medicine or gastroenterology. He then completed a specialty in nutrition in a university. As dietician consult either liberal or within a hospital or clinic.

Nutritional problems: when to see?

"Nearly 80% of my patients come to consult me on the advice of their GP" says Dr. Guerin-Sacreste, nutritionist. Unlike a visit to the dietitian in private practice, consulting a nutritionist is reimbursed by social security (if being sent by his general practitioner). Also, be careful and costs of consultations, as some doctors practice overruns fee.

Dr. Guerin-Sacreste said "a majority of my obese patients with or without complications. But I also met women followed for pregnancy as well as people with type 2 diabetes. For Laffond Anais, a dietician at Paris, the profile of patients is different: "I get mostly women 20-40 years, wishing to lose weight, they come to me spontaneously or following advice from their GP.

If doctors, nutritionists and dietitians practicing in the same field, only doctors are allowed to prescribe medication. Thus, for disorders of weight without complications, you can see both the other one. In contrast, for problems with diabetes or obesity such as hypertension, a visit to the doctor will be more suitable. Moreover, "dieticians have generally a more concrete and more practice-oriented food. This is also why they act in a complementary manner with physicians in medical networks," says Anais Laffond.

Nutritionist or dietitian: choose the right partner

"It's mostly a question of trust, as a general practitioner advise a dietician, while another advise a physician specializing in nutrition," says Dr. Guerin-Sacreste.

Whether dietitian or nutritionist, it is important to establish a good relationship from the start with your partner. According to Anais Laffond "good consultation is characterized by an exchange of at least half an hour to an hour in order to know the habits of his patient. This discussion is essential to propose a plan and follow custom.

For extra weight or the management of chronic disease, beware of promises miracles. Choose a professional who can set goals and choose a simple plan for your situation. Finally, do not hesitate to seek advice from your GP.