Have you noticed everybody suddenly becomes an expert dietitian when you’re trying to gain weight? 

One friend tells you to “just eat more eba and go to the gym,” while another swears by late-night swallow and milk. Meanwhile, you’re confused, stuffed, and still not gaining the weight you want. Sound familiar?

At some point, you might start thinking, “Do I need professional help?”

And when you do, two names will pop up: nutritionist and dietitian.

 But wait o, what’s the difference? And more importantly, who should you trust with your weight gain journey?

They both deal with food, health, and how your body responds to what you eat. But they are quite different in terms of training, scope, and how they help you.

Differences Between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian

Now, let’s break it down and see what differentiates these experts in the health field.

Dietitian

A dietitian is more like the “food doctor.” They go through formal university education, undergo clinical training, and usually belong to a professional body. In many countries, including Nigeria, dietitians are licensed and recognised as healthcare professionals. They can diagnose nutritional problems, prescribe specific diets, and work hand-in-hand with doctors to treat medical conditions through food. 

A dietitian is the expert who can design a meal plan that works with a patient’s health condition. They deal with patients with diabetes, hypertension, digestive issues, kidney disease, or patients recovering from surgery,

Now, imagine a person who is trying to gain weight but also has a thyroid issue or a chronic illness. They would need a dietitian because there is a lot to consider beyond just “eating more.” The body needs balance, and a dietitian’s job is to make sure the food you eat supports your size and healing.

Nutritionists

A nutritionist, on the other hand, tends to focus more on general wellness. They help with lifestyle adjustments, and long-term health goals. While some nutritionists do have formal training and certifications, the title isn’t regulated in every country. 

Now, this doesn’t mean nutritionists are not professionals. In fact, a professional nutritionist can be the perfect guide for someone who is looking to improve their eating habits. They help with weight gain, weight loss, or better energy levels.

Nutritionists are like your go-to everyday coach. If you’re a student in school or a young professional juggling a 9-5, a nutritionist is a solid choice. A nutritionist can also be the best option for you if you’re just trying to put on a healthy weight without falling into bad eating patterns,

They help you understand your body’s needs and create practical meal plans using local foods. They also guide you step-by-step on what to eat, when to eat, and how to stay consistent.

Where it gets confusing is that in Nigeria, and many parts of the world, the line between the two roles can get blurry. Some trained nutritionists are as skilled as dietitians when it comes to creating effective weight gain food plans. But the key is that dietitians are medically certified to treat specific health conditions, while nutritionists are best for general guidance and lifestyle improvement.

That’s why it is important to  work with qualified nutritionists who understand not just nutrition theory, but how to apply it to Nigerian food culture. They’re not going to tell you to eat quinoa and avocado every day unless you like those things. 

Instead, they focus on what’s practical. Things like adding more plantain, tweaking your beans-and-bread combo, or helping you build a smoothie habit with ingredients you can buy from your local market.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, both nutritionists and dietitians have one goal: to help you eat in a way that supports your health and goals. But knowing which one is right for you can make all the difference. If you’re dealing with an underlying medical condition or you need specific dietary therapy, a dietitian is your best bet. 

So before you choose who to work with, think about what your body needs. Is it just better eating habits and guidance, or are there deeper health issues involved? Once you know that, picking between a nutritionist and a dietitian becomes a lot clearer.