What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a qualified nutritional professional with a minimum 3 years of undergraduate education on an accredited course.

Nutritionists are qualified to provide information about food, nutrition and healthy eating. The term ‘nutritionist’ is not a legally protected one so it’s important to ensure your nutritionist is registered with the Association for Nutrition - the only registered recognised by Public Health England and the NHS.

Registered nutritionists can hold one of two titles:

1. Registered Associate Nutritionists (ANutr) are qualified to provide evidence-based information with a minimum of 4 years of undergraduate education (many go onto complete Masters).
2. A Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) carries the same qualifications but with an additional minimum 3 years experience (gained within the last 5 years) of evidence-based application of nutrition science in professional practice.

Nutritionists provide evidence-based information, advice and support and have a good understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition.

They can advise on how food and nutrition impact human's and animals' health and wellbeing. Qualified nutritionists can provide healthy eating advice and promote healthier lifestyles.

Nutritionists work in different roles, including one-on-one coaching, public health, health improvement, health policy, local and national government, the food industry, research, teaching, animal nutrition, sports and exercise industries, media and communications.

A nutritionist can support you to reach your health goals in a sustainable and timely manner using the latest evidence-based information. A nutritionist can support you every step of the way, whether you may be embarking on a new fitness routine, looking to manage your weight or to improve your relationship with food.

Nutritionists can support you throughout every stage of your life. Nutrition is important for pregnancy, babies, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults and into older age. If you think you need support with your food choices and eating habits then there is no better time than now to speak with a nutritionist.

A Registered Nutritionist can provide evidence-based information on food and healthy eating. Nutritionists can support you with a wide variety of conditions, for example: weight management, high blood pressure, cholesterol, tiredness, sports nutrition, healthy digestion, mental health, diabetes, fertility, allergies and intolerances.

Only nutritionists with subject expertise can support those with pre-existing medical conditions alongside your current healthcare providers. These include autoimmune conditions, eating disorders, digestive disorders and other chronic conditions.

If you are receiving treatment for an ongoing medical condition, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider.

Yes, you can see a nutritionist if you are on prescription medication. Some foods can however interfere with your medication, so it is best to speak with your GP and let us know in your health questionnaire.

If you are receiving ongoing treatment for a condition which requires a specific diet, then always follow the guidance from your healthcare providers.

If you visit your GP for a medical condition which requires dietary intervention, you can request a referral to see a Registered Dietitian.

Nutritionists do not commonly work within the NHS but may provide dietetics assistance to weight loss or healthy eating groups. Dietitians can offer dietary advice to those with medical conditions and are permitted to alter prescriptions.

The NHS website provides guidance on healthy eating.

Nutritionists, dietitians and nutritional therapists are different roles with different sets of professional standards expected of those who practice in each field. There are fundamental differences between the work, and the registration requirements, of nutritionists, dietitians and nutritional therapists.

The title ‘nutritionist’ is not a legally protected term meaning it’s incredibly important to look into and understand an individual's qualifications before engaging with them. The Association for Nutrition’s (AfN) UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists is the only register of qualified nutritionists recognised by Public Health England, NHS Choices and NHS Careers. You can search their register to find out whether your nutritionist is registered. All Odhealth’s nutritionists are AfN registered.

There’s no one comprehensive data set to answer this question with prices varying enormously.

When comparing prices, bear in mind that most quotes are for the consultation only, not an accompanying plan.

Expect to pay £50-200 for a consultation alone and for 3-6 month packages, prices are typically from £350 and £600 respectively.

At Odhealth our pricing is a simple £35 for pay-as-you-go sessions or £50 per month for 2 sessions pay-monthly.

Every month includes two consultations and two action plans created by your nutritionist. We are able to offer these prices because of the efficiencies created by our innovative tech and economies of scale of being a LTD compared to a self employed individual.

You have a need or desire to change your diet, for any reason including:

• Wanting to know if what/how you’re eating is right for your health and goals.
• Wanting to eat more sustainably. 
• Trying to figure out how to navigate the world of food and nutrition.
• Wanting help with meal planning.
• Needing help to gain, lose, or maintain your weight.
• Wanting to improve athletic performance.
• Increasing energy, if you find you are always tired.
• Improving mood and impacting sleep. 

Getting the correct nutrition information can be confusing especially when many claims to be nutrition experts.

There is a lot of false and misleading information circulating social media.  Make sure your nutritionists is registered with the Association for Nutrition as are all Odhealth nutritionists.

What we eat affects our health whoever we are. However, it can be hard to establish what is fact and fiction and what food choices we should be making. Registered associate nutritionists (ANutr) and Registered Nutritionists (RNutr) will never give you a one-size-fits-all diet plan. Instead, you will get a personalised science-based program tailored to your needs and requirements.

This depends on your individual needs. The initial consultation will investigate your goals so that you can reach your desired results. Then a tailored plan is put in place. 

Follow up sessions are crucial to success! These provide nutrition education at your leisure, tweak plans, review progress and work through barriers. Follow up sessions are recommended after 4 weeks which you can easily book through the Odhealth app. Here at Odhealth, we focus on long term sustainable goals.

Generally (in the UK) a dietician is someone working in a clinical setting. Losing weight is a goal that both a dietician and a nutritionist can help with, but you'll probably find it more flexible to work with a nutritionist. If your doctor has specifically requested you work with a dietician then follow their advice.

Yes. All registered nutritionists are required to have insurance.