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Dietitian vs. Nutritionist vs. Health Coach: Who to See

Written by O2 Fitness Clubs | Apr 12, 2024

Your feed is full of nutrition advice. Health coaches, nutritionists, and influencers all post high-protein recipes with #nutritionist in the caption.

So who should you listen to? And who should you book when you want real help with food?

The short answer:

  • Registered dietitian (RD or RDN): A board-certified, state-licensed nutrition expert. Of the three, only an RD is trained to give medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Insurance often covers it.
  • Nutritionist: A general title. In many states, anyone can use it, with or without training.
  • Health coach: Helps you build habits and stay consistent. Training varies, and certification is optional.

All dietitians are nutritionists. Not all nutritionists are dietitians.

What is a registered dietitian?

A registered dietitian, also called a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), has met national standards set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. To earn the credential, a dietitian has to:

  • Complete a graduate degree (required for anyone sitting for the exam since 2024)
  • Finish at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice
  • Pass a national board exam
  • Keep up with continuing education to stay credentialed

Most states also license dietitians, the same way they license nurses.

What that means for you: an RD can help with everyday eating and with medical needs. That includes medical nutrition therapy, which is a nutrition plan built around a diagnosis like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or kidney disease.

You'll find dietitians in hospitals, doctors' offices and public health programs. You'll also find them at your gym. Loop Nutrition's dietitians meet with clients in person inside O2 Fitness clubs.

What is a nutritionist?

"Nutritionist" is a catch-all title. The rules change from state to state, and many states don't require a degree, exam or license to use it.

Some nutritionists have strong training, like a nutrition science degree or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential. Others took a weekend course. You can't tell which from the title alone.

Before you work with a nutritionist, ask:

  • What degree or certification do you have?
  • Who issued it, and do you have to renew it?
  • Are you licensed in this state?
  • Can you work with my medical condition, or would you refer me to someone else?

What is a health coach?

Health coaches help you change your habits and keep them. They're trained in skills like motivational interviewing and goal setting, and they can help with sleep, stress, movement and daily routines.

Certification is optional. The most widely recognized one comes from the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Health coaches don't write medical nutrition plans or treat health conditions. A good coach knows when to send you to a dietitian or a doctor.

Dietitian vs. nutritionist vs. health coach, side by side 

 

Which one do you need?

See a registered dietitian if you:

  • Have diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or kidney disease
  • Want to lose weight without cutting out the foods you love
  • Want to fuel your training and get more out of your workouts
  • Are tired of starting over every Monday
  • Want a plan that still works during a bad week

A health coach can be a good fit if you mostly want accountability and habit support, and food isn't tied to a medical need.

A nutritionist can be a good fit once you've checked their training.

At Loop, we say it like this: if it can't survive a bad week, it was never going to work.

Does insurance cover a dietitian?

Often, yes. Many plans cover visits with a registered dietitian, and Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy for diabetes and kidney disease. Health coaches and uncredentialed nutritionists usually aren't covered.

Loop Nutrition is in-network with most major plans, including Ambetter, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, First Carolina Care, HealthTeam Advantage, MultiPlan and UnitedHealthcare.

93% of Loop clients pay $0 out of pocket.

FAQ

Is a nutritionist the same as a dietitian?
No. Every registered dietitian counts as a nutritionist, but most nutritionists aren't registered dietitians. Dietitians have to meet national education, training, and exam requirements.

What's the difference between an RD and an RDN?
Nothing. They're the same credential, and dietitians can use either one.

Can a nutritionist help with a medical condition?
Only if they're licensed to in your state. For a condition like diabetes or kidney disease, see a registered dietitian.

Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?
Some insurance plans require one. Check your plan, or ask us during your free intro session.

Can I see a Loop dietitian in person?
Yes. Loop dietitians meet with clients inside O2 Fitness clubs in [CITY / CLUB LOCATIONS]. Virtual visits are available too.

Talk to a dietitian for free

Book a free 20-minute intro session with a Loop Nutrition dietitian. Meet in person at your O2 Fitness club, or online via telehealth.

You'll talk through your goals and what you've already tried, and you'll find out whether working with a dietitian makes sense for you. Most Loop clients pay $0.

Food can be easier than this. Book your free 20-minute session →
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