Nutrition · Advice
Nutritionists, dietitians and the PT with a meal plan: who is qualified to tell you what to eat
“Nutritionist” is not a protected title in the UK; “dietitian” is. What each qualification means, what a consultation costs, when you need a clinician rather than a coach, and how to spot the unqualified.
Updated September 2026 · Prices and facilities are illustrative and need verification
This is general information, not medical advice. We are not doctors, dietitians or midwives and this page has not been clinically reviewed. It cannot replace a consultation with a qualified professional. If you are unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999. Full medical disclaimer.
Titles, translated
| Title | Regulated? | Training | Can do | Cannot do | Cost per consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian (RD) | Yes, HCPC | Degree plus clinical placements | Diagnose and treat with diet; medical conditions; NHS and private | n/a | £80 to £150 private; NHS by referral |
| Registered Nutritionist (RNutr / ANutr) | Voluntary register (AfN) | Accredited degree | Evidence-based advice for healthy people and populations | Treat medical conditions | £70 to £150 |
| Sports nutritionist (SENr) | Voluntary register | Postgraduate sports nutrition | Performance nutrition for athletes and trainees | Clinical treatment | £80 to £200 |
| “Nutritionist” (unregistered) | No | Anything from a PhD to a weekend | Legally, anything; practically, unknown | Should not treat conditions | £40 to £150 |
| Nutritional therapist | Voluntary (BANT) | Diploma; often alternative-medicine framing | General advice | Often oversteps into testing and supplements | £80 to £200 |
| Personal trainer | CIMSPA (fitness) | Level 3 PT; basic nutrition module | General healthy-eating guidance; protein and energy basics | Meal plans for conditions; medical nutrition | Included with PT |
| Health coach | No | Varies | Behaviour change support | Prescribe diets | £50 to £120 |
UK regulatory position as of 2026. HCPC regulates dietitians; AfN and SENr are voluntary registers with accredited standards.
Who to see for what
A medical condition, a diagnosis, medication, disordered eating, pregnancy with complications, a child: a registered dietitian, via your GP or privately. Performance, body composition, learning how to eat to train: a registered nutritionist or SENr sports nutritionist. General healthy-eating basics: a good PT can cover protein, energy balance and habits, and should refer on for anything more.
What a good consultation looks like
A history (medical, training, what you actually eat), a goal, and a plan you can follow with your real life and budget. It should not involve selling you supplements, a test kit or a programme. Registered professionals will state their registration number; ask for it.
Red flags
Food intolerance tests (IgG tests are not supported by evidence), hair mineral analysis, detoxes, elimination diets without clinical reason, supplements sold in the room, and any promise about a timeframe. Private “nutrigenomic” and microbiome-led diet plans are covered, with the evidence, on our gut microbiome tests page.
At the club
Nuffield Health employs dietitians and offers nutrition consultations; Third Space and Equinox have nutritionists on staff or in partnership; most other clubs refer to PTs. If your club’s PT offers a meal plan, ask about qualifications and expect basics, not prescriptions. See how to choose a PT.
When to see a GP
- For any medical condition affected by diet (diabetes, kidney disease, coeliac, IBS, high cholesterol) before changing your diet significantly; your GP can refer to an NHS dietitian
- If you suspect disordered eating in yourself or someone else
- For unexplained weight loss, persistent digestive symptoms or fatigue
NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent but non-emergency concerns. 999 for emergencies.
FAQs
Common questions
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
Dietitian is a protected, HCPC-regulated title requiring a degree and clinical training; dietitians can treat medical conditions. Nutritionist is not protected; look for AfN registration (RNutr or ANutr) as the quality mark.
Can a personal trainer give a meal plan?
A PT can give general healthy-eating guidance. Detailed meal plans, and anything involving a medical condition, should come from a registered dietitian or nutritionist.