Question:
What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?

Is there a difference? If there is, what is it? Thanks in advance.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 9, 2002)

January 9, 2002
There can be a difference. Anyone who had RD after their name is a Registered Dietician. These are people who have college degrees in nutrition and, I think, have met some other professional requirements. Many people with the RD after their names also use the term nutritionist. I think that started a few years ago, because the word 'dietician' seems to have become unpopular. Anyone can call himself or herself a nutritionist, whether they have any training, education or not. I would see if the person is a Registered Dietician and if not, check their credentials. There are some very good nutritionists out there, but there are also some not so good.
   — [Anonymous]