Diet & Fitness 

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What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of the science of nutrition that enables people to make informed and practical choices about food and lifestyle. To become eligible for registration as a State Registered Dietitian (SRD), or a nutrition professional, you must complete a four-year honours degree course. This includes a period of practical training in hospital and community settings, all of which is approved by the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM), the regulatory body for State Registered Dietitians. After qualification, dietitians are expected to keep up-to-date with the scientific literature and care for people in hospital or in the community with regards to everything from general diet to eating disorders. Dietitians also work to promote good health by teaching the public and other health professionals about diet and nutrition.

Nutritionists, unlike the SRDs, do not have a protected name, so anyone may call herself a nutritionist without having substantial scientific training. However, there are many credible nutritionists certified by The Nutrition Society in London who are highly trained and have completed a degree course in human nutrition. The society recognises excellence in the practice of nutrition among its members by awarding the titles of Registered Nutritionist and Registered Public Health Nutritionist. The Society also has a scheme for accrediting courses in Public Health Nutrition.

Further details and lists of locally available Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists may be obtained from:
The British Dietetic Association
5th Floor Elizabeth House
22 Suffolk Street Queensway
Birmingham, B1 1LS
United Kingdom
Tel: 0121 616 4900

The Nutrition Society
10 Cambridge Court,
210 Shepherds Bush Road,
London, W6 7NJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 0171 602 0228
website: www.nutsoc.org.uk.

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