Ideal Weight Blog: Finding a Good Dietitian

If you want to find a health care professional to lose weight or to adjust your diet because of concerns about diabetes or another condition, then you should be seen by a dietitian. A dietitian is not the same as a nutritionist. A dietitian is an expert in nutrition and healthy meal planning. In the United States, a person can only call himself a registered dietitian if he has met particular educational and professional standards. The American Dietetics Association regulates the accreditation of dietitians through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Though there are without doubt many eligible nutritionists, "nutritionist" is not a protected title. In the United States, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) ensures that the title "registered dietitian" is given only to those who hold the requisite academic and clinical experience. Continuing education is required for maintaining the title as well. A registered dietitian must have either received a Bachelor's degree in dietetics, or an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree and a higher-level dietetics degree or diploma. After completing a set amount of work in the field, they must pass a test to earn the title "registered dietitian." Most practicing dietitians are clinical dietitians in hospitals, while consultant dietitians operate in private businesses. Both of these types of dietitians offering personal dietetic care. Dietitian should be covered by insurance. Check your plan's details to see if visits are covered. Under some plans, a visit may only be covered if your doctor writes a referral or only in cases of certain diagnoses such as diabetes or celiac disease, which are normally treated with dietary changes. A dietitian can help you find out the best food plan taking into account your age, medical conditions, weight, metabolism and other factors. A dietitian can supply ideas for coping with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Also you can get advice about gaining or losing weight, eating well during a pregnancy, or eating foods that will increase performance in athletes.