What Does a Nutritionist Do and How Do I See One?
Curious about what a nutritionist does and how they can help you? Whether you want to eat healthier, manage a food allergy, or fine-tune your diet, a nutritionist offers personalised guidance to support your goals. But how do they differ from other health professionals and how can you find the right one?
What does a nutritionist do?
A nutritionist is a qualified professional who helps individuals improve their health through diet and nutrition. They work with clients to develop personalised nutrition plans, encourage healthier eating habits and educate people on the impact of food on their overall well-being. Their goal is to provide practical, sustainable dietary guidance that supports a balanced and healthy lifestyle and empower individuals to make informed food choices.
Nutritionists work in various settings, including public health, private practice, research and the food industry. On a bigger scale, they design and implement programs aimed at improving nutrition in the community, whether by developing public health initiatives, consulting on food policies or ensuring food safety standards.
How can a nutritionist help you?
A nutritionist can help you in improving your diet and overall well-being by understanding your health goals, dietary preferences and any restrictions you may have. They create personalised meal plans and provide expert guidance on how nutrition influences your energy levels, digestion, weight management and long-term health. If a medical condition requires specialised care, they may refer you to a doctor or dietitian for further support.
Many people seek a nutritionist to help with goal setting, whether it's managing weight, reducing the risk of genetic health conditions, alleviating symptoms of chronic illnesses or simply feeling and performing at their best. A Nutritionist assesses your current diet, lifestyle and health status through detailed consultations, physical observations and sometimes laboratory testing (such as blood work or other biochemical assessments). This helps identify nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, or food sensitivities that may be affecting your health.
Based on this analysis, a nutritionist can develop structured meal plans, food diaries and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your individual needs. They may also suggest targeted supplementation to optimise your body's biochemical processes. Throughout the process, your progress is monitored and adjustments are made to ensure sustainable, long-term success.
By providing science-backed, personalised nutrition strategies, a nutritionist empowers you to make informed choices that support both your immediate health goals and long-term well-being.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietician?
Both Nutritionists and Dietitians focus on helping people improve their health through diet and nutrition, but their training, qualifications and areas of expertise differ.
A Nutritionist specialises in personalised dietary guidance and lifestyle changes to support long-term health. They work with individuals to develop customised nutrition plans, help manage diet-related health concerns and educate on the role of food in overall well-being. Many Clinical Nutritionists and Nutritional Medicine Practitioners undergo extensive training in biochemistry, nutrient therapy and holistic health, allowing them to address gut health, metabolic function, and chronic conditions through a food-first approach.
A Dietitian is a clinically trained health professional who practices Dietetics, a specialised field focused on medical nutrition therapy. Dietitians are qualified to work in hospitals, medical clinics and aged care facilities, providing structured dietary interventions for conditions like diabetes, heart disease and food allergies. Their training emphasises evidence-based clinical nutrition to support individuals undergoing medical treatment.
Key Differences:
Nutritionists focus on preventive health, personalised nutrition, and lifestyle-based strategies for long-term well-being.
Dietitians specialise in medical nutrition therapy and work closely with healthcare teams to support patients with diagnosed conditions.
Both professionals use science-backed approaches to improve health, but the best choice depends on the level of care and support needed.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a naturopath?
The main difference between a nutritionist and a naturopath lies in their approach and scope of practice. A nutritionist provides evidence-based nutritional guidance to address specific dietary needs and promote overall wellness but can not treat medical conditions. In contrast, a naturopath uses alternative therapies such as herbal medicine and supplements to address health issues and chronic conditions.
Is a nutritionist covered by Medicare?
As nutritionists are not qualified to provide medical advice, nutrition is not covered under Medicare. As such, you do not need a referral to see a nutritionist.
How do I see a nutritionist?
Ready to improve your health and take control of your nutrition? Contact us today.
We’d love to help you take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle!
In addition, we have a huge library of custom recipes (and yes, we’ve created, tried and tested all of them!) and customised resources ready to support you every step of the way, ensuring sustainable, long-lasting changes.
To book in: email hello@bodyplace.au.