What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word 'dietitian'? Are they reliable sources for long term permanent weight loss? But, when we think of visiting one, we often wonder if going to a dietitian really is the right step towards weight loss. What can we expect during that first dietitian visit? Who needs to visit one? The biggest doubt, perhaps, is about whether the dietitian is right for you or not. Today we are going to help you with these dietitian dilemmas.

Who is a dietitian? Dietitians are basically practitioners who have achieved the national standards of healthcare educations that qualify them as dietitians. They can be vital in managing clinical conditions, promoting health and wellness and prevention of diseases. And yes, as the common understanding goes, they also help in solving common diet pitfalls by preparing an individualised diet plan for the clients.

Who needs a dietitian? For many of us, a visit to the dietitian comes because either we are obese or because we suffer from a particular health condition, which calls for strict eating habits and rules. Many end up with a dietitian, because they have tried all kind of fad diets and are now looking for a long-term solution to weight loss. Of course, a dietition can help you with much more than that! Essentially, a dietitian should be visited much before a health problem starts troubling you. 

How can you find the right dietitian? First of all understand the basic difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist. The difference will help you make informed decisions. A dietitian is a term which is imparted through provincial legislation, once they meet the said countered educational qualification standard. And, on the other hand, as Wikipedia mentions, the term nutritionist “is a person who advises on matters of food and nutrition which impacts on health.” One has to be aware of his or her goals and aim (what do you want a dietitian for? For dealing with a health condition? For losing fat?) when looking for a dietitian. 

Sunita Roy Chowdhary, Senior Dietician at Rockland Hospital, New Delhi says: We are what we eat. So in order to be healthy it is important to eat the right type of food which suits one’s age, sex, body type and disease condition, if any. There is a different healthy balanced diet for each age group. No two individuals are alike and therefore, their needs of the nutrients vary and so the diet plans have to be individualized. Again for the same person also the requirements are different during various phases of life. Like women during pregnancy and lactation have different needs as compared to other times.

Also, diet is an integral part of the treatment of obesity. Proper diet is required not only in the cure but also for the prevention of obesity. One can remain fit and not gain weight by eating a healthy diet and also one can reduce weight by avoiding some foods and consuming others. And only a dietitian will be able to properly guide a person as to what to eat and what not so as to maintain an ideal weight and also have a proper nutritional status in order to avoid any chronic diseases.