Are Dietitians Really Helpful in Weight Loss?
Obesity is a problem for 67% of men and 60% of women. Also, it has been found that – yes, dietitians can be helpful in weight loss and health management. These professionals offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in nutrition, making them valuable allies in the journey towards a healthier weight.
But are they really helpful, and if yes, how can they help with weight loss and overweight management? Let’s find out –
Are Nutritionists and Dieticians the Same?
While the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two.
Who is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is a term that may refer to anyone who provides advice on nutrition and healthy eating. Nutritionists do not have specific professional requirements or regulations in many places, which means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their training or qualifications. However, some nutritionists may have formal education or certification in nutrition-related fields. If so, they are eligible to recommend not just proper meal plans but also weight loss tablets and supplements, etc.
Who is a Dietitian?
A dietitian is a healthcare professional who has specific training in dietetics, which involves the science of nutrition and the regulation of diet. To become registered dietitians (RDs) or, in some countries, dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), dietitians typically hold a bachelor's degree in dietetics. This is followed by supervised practice and the completion of a national exam. They are trained to provide medical nutrition therapy, advice on weight loss supplements, weight loss medicine, and dietary counseling to individuals with various health conditions, including weight management, diabetes, and heart disease.
How Dietitians Help in Weight Loss?
Dietitians play a crucial role in supporting individuals on their weight loss journey. Their expertise in nutrition and dietetics enables them to provide personalized guidance and strategies that can lead to successful and sustainable weight loss.
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Here are 5 ways dietitians help individuals in weight loss –
They Help with Personalized Meal Plans:
Dietitians assess individual nutritional needs, dietary preferences, and health goals to create personalized meal plans. These meal plans are designed to promote weight loss while ensuring that individuals receive the necessary nutrients for overall health. Also, be aware of the negative impact of web-based nutrition and internet based meal plans. According to a report by Beleigoli and colleagues, none of the investigated web-based weight loss interventions demonstrated a significant advantage in diet quality. Always prefer a specialist dietitian for your meal plan.
Educate People about Nutrition:
Dietitians educate individuals about the importance of balanced nutrition and how it contributes to weight loss. They provide information on portion control, reading food labels, and making healthier food choices. As per the reports, inadequate health and nutritional knowledge is the reason behind approximately 60% of deaths that are related to diseases related to nutrition. This education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle, leading to long-lasting weight loss results.
Prepare Strategies for Eating Behavior Change :
Dietitians help individuals identify and address unhealthy eating behaviors that may be hindering their weight loss efforts. They offer methods for getting through challenges like stress eating, emotional eating, and food cravings. Studies have found that a strict calorie intake of 80% of the daily requirement can reduce your weight anywhere between 2 and 4 kg per month. By addressing these behaviors, dietitians help individuals develop healthier habits that support their weight loss goals.
Offer Ongoing Support and Accountability:
Dietitians provide ongoing support and encouragement throughout the weight loss journey. They help individuals set realistic goals and track their progress over time. This support and accountability help individuals stay motivated and on track with their weight loss goals. A study by Liu and colleagues has revealed that for adults aiming for weight loss, a balanced diet with less than 30% of calories from fat, 55-65% from carbohydrates, and 20-30g of fiber per day can be effective.
Monitoring and Adjusting Overall Diet Progress:
Dietitians monitor individuals' progress and make adjustments to their meal plans as needed. They may also recommend changes to exercise routines or lifestyle habits to support weight loss. Research has found that dietary self-monitoring that is both frequent and consistent improves long-term weight management success.
Conclusion
Dietitians play an important role in weight loss, offering personalized nutrition advice, creating tailored meal plans, and providing ongoing support and accountability. While they face challenges such as cost and accessibility, the evidence overwhelmingly supports their effectiveness in helping individuals achieve weight loss success. For those seeking to lose weight, working with a dietitian can be a valuable investment in their health and well-being, leading to sustainable and long-lasting results.
To accelerate weight loss even faster, use the best supplements for weight loss and tablets based on professional help and consultation. If you’re looking for a top dietitian in Jalandhar, Punjab, then Dr. Malvika Huria can be your best choice. She is a registered scientist by profession and a licensed nutritionist or dietitian with years of experience in the field. Book your first consultation with her for free at +91 85580 20895.