Nutritionist vs Dietician vs Nutritional Therapist vs Holistic Nutritionist
Understanding the difference between a Nutritionist, Dietician, Nutritional Therapist, and Holistic Nutritionist is essential when you are deciding who to work with.
Although these titles may sound similar, the level of regulation, training, and clinical focus can vary significantly.
By learning how each role differs, you can choose the most appropriate professional to support your individual health goals.
As a clinically trained, Registered Nutritionist and CNHC-Registered Nutritional Therapist in London, I offer personalised nutrition consultations in Mayfair and online.
To explore how I work with clients, you can visit my main page on nutrition consultations in London.
What Is a Nutritionist?
A Nutritionist helps clients achieve better health, energy, and wellbeing through personalised dietary advice.
A qualified Nutritionist may support areas such as weight management, gut health, hormone balance, skin health, sports performance, and general wellness.
However, because the title “Nutritionist” is not protected by law in the UK, anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist, regardless of their training.
Therefore, for your peace of mind, it is important to choose a Nutritionist who is:
- Clinically trained and degree-educated
- Experienced in evidence-based practice
- Registered with a recognised professional body
- Transparent about their qualifications and approach
As a Registered Nutritionist in London, I provide structured, evidence-based support across a range of health concerns.
You can learn more about my services on my nutrition consultations in London and online nutritionist UK pages.
What Is a Dietician?
A Dietician (also spelled Dietitian) is a nutrition professional who is
statutorily regulated in the UK. Dieticians must meet strict training standards and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
In addition, their main professional body is the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
Dieticians often work within the NHS, hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings.
They are qualified to manage complex medical nutrition therapy, including tube feeding and specialist diets for specific medical conditions.
While Dieticians and Registered Nutritionists both work with food and health, their training routes, regulatory status, and typical workplaces can be different.
Many people choose to work with a Nutritionist or Nutritional Therapist in private practice when they want more time, personalised support, and a functional, root-cause approach.
What Is a Nutritional Therapist?
A Nutritional Therapist uses nutrition to support the body in cases of chronic conditions, functional imbalances, and long-term health issues.
Nutritional Therapy often follows the principles of Functional Medicine, focusing on identifying underlying root causes rather than simply managing symptoms.
Similarly to the title Nutritionist, the title “Nutritional Therapist” is not currently protected by law in the UK.
For that reason, it is vital to ensure that your Nutritional Therapist is properly registered.
For your safety, you should always check that your practitioner is registered with the
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the government-backed body established to protect the public.
CNHC-Registered Nutritional Therapists typically:
- Complete a minimum of three years of rigorous, accredited training
- Are trained in clinical practice and case management
- Follow evidence-informed, personalised nutrition approaches
- Work to high standards of ethics and professional conduct
As a CNHC-Registered Nutritional Therapist and Registered Nutritionist, I was trained in clinical practice and in the principles of Functional Medicine to offer one-to-one personalised health advice. I work with clients from Mayfair, Central London, and worldwide via online consultations.
To learn more about my approach as a Nutritional Therapist, please visit Nutritional Therapist London.
What Is a Holistic Nutritionist?
A Holistic Nutritionist considers the whole person, not just individual symptoms.
This includes looking at nutrition, lifestyle, stress, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and environmental factors to create a comprehensive, whole-body plan.
In practice, Holistic Nutrition often overlaps with Nutritional Therapy and Functional Medicine.
A Holistic Nutritionist may support a wide range of issues, such as low energy, hormone imbalance, poor digestion, skin concerns, and weight issues, using a tailored, root-cause approach.
However, just like the titles Nutritionist and Nutritional Therapist, the title “Holistic Nutritionist” is not legally protected.
Consequently, training and standards can vary greatly.
It is therefore important to work with someone who has accredited education, clinical experience, and recognised registration.
If you are looking for a holistic, personalised approach to your health, you may find it helpful to explore some of my specialist services:
How to Choose the Right Nutrition Professional
When deciding whether to work with a Nutritionist, Dietician, Nutritional Therapist, or Holistic Nutritionist, it is important to look beyond the title.
Instead, focus on their training, registration, and experience with your specific health concerns.
In summary, you may wish to consider:
- Qualifications – Are they degree-trained or clinically trained?
- Registration – Are they registered with BANT, CNHC, AfN, HCPC, or another credible body?
- Specialism – Do they regularly work with your particular issue (for example, gut health, hormones, skin, or weight)?
- Approach – Do they use evidence-based, personalised nutrition rather than one-size-fits-all plans?
If you are unsure where to start, you may find it helpful to book a consultation to discuss your goals and options in more detail.
You can explore my full range of services and how I support clients through:
If you would like personalised guidance on whether Nutritional Therapy or Nutrition consultations are right for you,
I would be happy to discuss your individual needs and goals.
