The Complete Guide to Finding a Nutritionist Near Me

In my 15 years in practice as a registered dietitian in the UK, I have answered many questions about how to find the best Nutritionist near me, or people are confused about the role of a nutritionist and dietitian or the difference between dietitian and nutritionist and so on. Thinking of that I decided to write here the most frequently asked questions and answer to the best of my knowledge. 

How much does a private nutritionist cost?

A private consultation with a nutritionist can vary from £90-£300. It depends on the expertise and type of service offered.

A cheaper consultation might not be as long as 1 hour, might not include a meal plan or the professional is not very experienced yet.

Some nutritionists offer a package of services, as the treatments require more than one session hence the cost can vary. The virtual consultations tend to be cheaper than in person and some consultations can last longer and include ongoing support, others not.

At Raquel Britzke Nutrition, with over 15 years of experience, we offer premium services, ensuring the best treatment with a nutritionist is received. The session lasts for one hour and includes a personalised meal plan designed by the nutritionist. It takes into account all your food preferences, dislikes, allergies, medical life history, lifestyle, family history health goals and test results. If you are looking for the best nutritionist near me, we are the clinic with the highest number of 5-star reviews on Google and we are very proud of having 95% customer satisfaction. Furthermore, we can securely say that we will help you to achieve your goals and change your behaviour towards food. Our fees include unlimited support directly with your designated nutritionist.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian in the UK?

DIETITIAN

In the UK, a dietitian is the only nutrition title regulated by law and governed by an ethical code to ensure they work to the highest standards. The minimum degree required is a BSc in Dietetics or a related science degree with an MSc in Dietetics. Rigorous training and placements are done to get the degree qualification. They are registered with a governed body Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Registered Dietitian (RD) is the only health professional that can assess, diagnose and treat nutritional conditions in individuals or the wider population. They can work both with healthy and sick people. They use the most updated and the latest research on food, nutrition and diseases to apply into practice and to translate into practical guidance for people to make informed decisions. Dietitians work for the NHS and private sector. They can work in the food industry, education, catering, research and workplace.

Dietitians can prescribe some medications and supplements. 

NUTRITIONIST

Nutritionists work in different roles. They can work with healthy people to promote health, weight management, catering, public health, health policy, education, research, food industry and food technology. They can’t assess and diagnose nutritional conditions. 

Nutritionists are qualified to promote food and healthy lifestyles. They can work in the private or public sector.

In the UK the title is not protected so anyone can call themselves a nutritionist by doing any short course or no course at all. You can get registered by the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRV) but you have to have the right qualifications to do so. Nutritionists registered with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) can call themselves registered Nutritionists. There are accreditated university degree qualifications in the UK and the minimum qualification required to be a registered nutritionist is a BSc in Nutrition Sciences or a science-related degree and an MSc in Nutrition.

Nutritionists can’t prescribe medications, but they can prescribe supplements.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a nutritional therapist?

Nutritional Therapists recommend diet and lifestyle changes to alleviate and prevent ailments, based on complementary medicine which is not recognised by conventional medicine. Some of the recommendations might include detoxification, colonic irrigation, avoidance of toxins or allergens and the use of high doses of supplements such as vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional therapists see individuals on a private basis. Their title is not protected and anyone can call themselves nutritional therapists. The qualifications vary from foundation courses or certificates but they are not recognised by universities.

They prescribe supplements and they can sell commercial supplements. 

Can you see a nutritionist on the NHS?

In the NHS is more common to see a Dietitian, however, nutritionists can work in the NHS alongside a dietitian in sectors of health promotion, or as a dietitian assistant. Nutritional therapists don’t work in the NHS as a nutritionist.

Will seeing a nutritionist be worth it?

If you are thinking about making any dietary or food changes is important to seek a health professional. A nutritionist will be able to answer your questions, guide you and implement a diet strategy for whatever nutrition reason you might need.

For example, if you want to lose weight a nutritionist will be the best professional to ensure you have the right diet for your goal with the nutrients your body needs. If you are in the transition to becoming a vegetarian, the nutritionist will help you to go through the transition without missing any essential vitamins. What’s more, if you are experiencing any gut issues and want to eliminate some foods to see if you feel better, the nutritionist will help to do it the right way.

Not only nutritionist will help you but they will also monitor your progress, respond and adjust your diet accordingly and avoid any frustrations. Because when we try things without professional help and we don’t see results, we might be frustrated and think that it didn’t work. The right approach will bring the right results, and satisfaction and empower you with good knowledge about your body and diet.

Does a nutritionist help you lose weight?

A nutritionist is the best professional to help you lose weight. They have the right qualifications, knowledge and enthusiasm. Look for a weight loss nutritionist near me to find the best nutritionist. 

Weight loss nutritionists can help you to set realistic goals, and design a personalised diet for your metabolism after pre-assessing your body composition and health history. They will calculate the necessary calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to ensure you have the most efficient, science-based approach. The right diet and the right nutritionist will get the lasting results you want in combination with optimal health.

Why would someone be referred to a nutritionist or dietitian?

If your doctor believes you need nutritional intervention to prevent or treat a metabolic or chronic disease, they might recommend you see a nutritionist or dietitian. Some of the conditions that can be treated with diet: are diabetes type 2, cholesterol, high blood pressure, gut issues, IBS, PCOs, fertility and so on. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations and don’t make any changes to medications without their supervision. 

Is important to remember that there is a lot of misinformation about diet and nutrition and so-called diet experts. Seek a registered nutritionist or dietitian to ensure you have the right guidance and don’t put your health at risk.

If you find this information useful and want to book a consultation with a nutritionist or dietitian, click here.