The Difference Between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist- and Why This Matters in Eating Disorder Care

Written by Cristina Luibil MS, RD, LDN with support from Sabrina Stadelman

Many people think that registered dietitians and nutritionists are the same, but while they may sound similar, there are many key differences. These differences are especially important when it comes to eating disorder recovery. As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your teen, and that includes the best possible care from the most qualified experts. When it comes to eating disorder treatment, registered dietitians are the ones who have the expertise and qualifications necessary to address your teen’s nutritional needs in recovery. 

What’s the Difference Between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist in Eating Disorder Care?

Registered dietitians are required to complete a Master's degree in nutrition, an accredited dietetic internship, a national board exam, 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years, and be licensed in all states they practice in. In contrast, the nutritionist title isn’t regulated. Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” without proper education, training, or continuing education. 

The main difference between registered dietitians and nutritionists is that in order to use the title, a registered dietitian must complete specific, advanced coursework in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition science, including courses in medical nutrition therapy. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a specialized nutrition service used to treat or prevent nutrition-related medical conditions, including eating disorders. Registered dietitians are recognized nationwide as qualified providers of MNT. Registered dietitians must also complete at least 1000 hours of an accredited dietetic internship to gain experience before sitting for a national board exam and becoming registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. RD credentials also must be renewed every 5 years by completing 75 hours of continuing education.

The education and training that registered dietitians complete make them experts in nutrition, specifically medical nutrition therapy, for treating nutrition-related medical conditions. These conditions include eating disorders. Since the title of nutritionist is not regulated, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, and the level of education and training completed can vary widely. Someone may call themself a nutritionist without completing the training or educational requirements that all registered dietitians must complete. 

Why Does This Difference Matter for Eating Disorder Care?

Registered dietitians are qualified to treat illnesses like eating disorders, whereas nutritionists might not have the experience and education to adequately care for someone with an eating disorder without unintentionally doing more harm to the patient. Additionally, registered dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy, as well as a range of clinical nutritional interventions for individualized treatment plans, including meal plans and intravenous feedings or tube feedings if necessary.

While both registered dietitians and nutritionists can provide nutrition education and coaching, a nutritionist may not have the education, training, or qualifications to provide individualized nutrition counseling or eating disorder recommendations, nor will they be qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy or clinical interventions that will be necessary for eating disorder treatment. Essentially, this means that nutritionists may lack the specific qualifications necessary for treating a patient with an eating disorder, as eating disorder treatment and nutrition counseling are very different from providing generalized nutrition education or coaching. 

Registered dietitians also receive training that will allow them to be more familiar with working in a hospital setting and with other medical professionals as part of a treatment team. Registered dietitians’ skills and knowledge are necessary for refeeding, weight restoration, meal planning, and nutrition education in eating disorder recovery. 

For the best care and treatment outcomes in recovery, you will want to work with a registered dietitian who has the education, training, credentials, and experience necessary to meet your teen’s unique and specific needs. By researching and understanding the important distinction between registered dietitians and nutritionists, you as a parent or caregiver are taking an important step in addressing your teen’s needs and setting them up for success in recovery.  

If you’re looking for support for a teen struggling with an eating disorder, Aterra Nutrition offers virtual nutrition counseling and support for eating disorder recovery with a registered dietitian. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling for those in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Michigan. Learn more about the eating disorder services Aterra Nutrition offers on our website at aterranutrition.com.

About the Author

Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN specializes in eating disorder recovery and Intuitive Eating for teens and adults. Aterra Nutrition provides virtual nutrition counseling for those in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Michigan. This post was researched and written in conjunction with Sabrina Stadelman, dietetics student and nutrition assistant at Aterra Nutrition. Learn more about the whole team at aterranutrition.com/team.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.