As the law currently stands, anybody can call themselves a nutritionist. This is not a good thing for patient safety. Registered Dietitians (R.Ds) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level.
 
Uniquely, dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard.
 
Dietitians work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, public relations, publishing, NGOs and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government, local communities and individuals.
The title dietitian can only be used by those appropriately trained professionals who have registered with the Health Professions Council and whose details are on the HCPC website.

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