A friend of mine has done everything to make sure that I eat well. She has seen many different dieticians over the years, from the most respected and expensive to those who are more obscure, such as the ones that recommend a nicotine diet to curb hunger. She hasn’t quit yet and her weight hasn’t dropped off; she is the same size as when we first met.

It is important to lose excess weight. To prevent illness, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. We have somehow managed to make weight-loss a huge money-making industry. You see ads every day promoting the latest “diet that works”, which often means you lose 20 kg in three months. These diets are often aimed at brides-to be, who may be in a rush to wear all the clothes they have bought too quickly.

No regulations regarding who can be called a dietician, unlike other countries where they can only practice legally with Government-certified dieticians. Quack-a-minute dieting centers are popping up all over the country promising quick weight loss. This is a tempting proposition for people who have struggled with their weight for many years.

Who qualifies?
Many people are confused about the terms nutritionist and dietician.

In developed countries, where these things are regulated, dieticians and nutritionists are Government-certified, trained practitioners, with two very different sets of certifications.

Dietetic Association certifies dieticians. Technically, registered dieticians should hold a degree and a postgraduate degree in Home Science and Food and Nutrition. This is not through correspondence. After completing the internship, the person should then work for at least six months in a hospital. The person is then eligible for the exam to become a registered dietician.

A short diploma in nutrition and food can be used to call oneself a nutritionist. There are no laws in this area, so people can easily circumvent any possible legal issues.

Legitimate help
Hospitals call their registered dieticians “clinical nutritionists” to emphasize that they do more than just create diet plans. They also counsel patients on disease management. It is important to remember that dieticians do not have the title of doctor. They are allied healthcare professionals. Anyone who uses the Dr before their name is suspect unless they are a doctor.

The term “dietician” is associated with some stigma. It means someone who does your diet, while people believe that a nutritionist is someone who uses a holistic approach to health. To counter this perception problem, some RDs call themselves nutritionists and clinical nutritionists to add to the confusion.

There will soon be more concrete assistance. Sharma says that the Government is creating a paramedic board, which will issue a registration to practice, once the minimum qualification required to practice dietetics has been met. It will be much easier to identify the scammers among friends once this structure is in place. Be careful with what you eat.

Are we really going to need a dietician?
Weight-loss can be described as simply subtracting calories burned from calories consumed. It’s not that easy for most people. Many people have hidden digestive issues or problems that can prevent them from losing weight. Dieticians can help you lose weight in a controlled, holistic way that doesn’t allow for any nutritional loss. The mobile internet has made it easy to become a nutritionist. However, to find the right diet for you, you will need to consult a qualified dietician. You will find confusing and contradicting information on the Internet that can lead to health problems. It is better to consult a professional. A dietician in London can help you if you have special needs such as weight loss for your child or nutrition management for an event.

It comes down to the most important matter of self-discipline. While a dietician is able to give you the necessary information and help you get started, discipline plays an important role. While a dietician can help you tune in to your body, and give the right tools and guidance to guide you, ultimately it is up to you to keep the good advice going.