Dietitian vs Nutritionist vs Naturopath: What’s the Difference in Australia?
You may be familiar with the terms dietitian and nutritionist, although many people don’t know the difference between them. It can make it a lucky dip deciding who to see for your nutrition concerns and specific circumstances.
In Australia, these titles are not all regulated equally, and they can come with very different levels of training, approaches, and scope of practice. Understanding the difference between these job titles can help you choose the right professional for your needs, so you can get the professional guidance that matters.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Dietitian?
A dietitian (officially, an Accredited Practising Dietitian or APD) is a regulated healthcare professional who has obtained a university degree in nutrition and dietetics and are registered with the governing body - Dietitians Australia. Sometimes also spelt ‘Dietician’. While Dietitians are also nutritionists, they are specially qualified to work with clients in a 1:1 clinical setting, delivering individual counselling.
To practice as a Dietitian in Australia you:
Must complete at least 4 years of university training, including medical nutrition therapy and 100 hours of supervised clinical placements
Must be registered with Dietitians Australia and follow strict codes of ethics and professional standards
Practice in line with the most up-to-date scientific consensus (evidence-based practice)
Can work in hospitals, private practice, aged care, disability support, research, and more
Are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes, PCOS, heart disease, gut issues, eating disorders based on the most up-to-date evidence and clinical guidelines
Dietitians are also Medicare and NDIS-recognised providers, meaning eligible clients can access bulk-billed or funded services with a referral
often work closely with the patients’ multidisciplinary team (doctor/s, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, pharmacist, psychologist etc) to ensure healthcare is coordinated, and appropriate to the patients situation.
But aren't dietitians only for "serious" conditions?
Not at all. A good dietitian doesn’t just hand out meal plans — they take the time to understand your whole health, including your:
Physical health and medical history
Mental health and relationship with food
Lifestyle, culture, and environment
Personal values and goals
That’s why many dietitians today take a holistic, client-centred approach. We support the whole person — not just what’s on the plate. They focus on a food-first approach, and only recommend realistic and affordable solutions that fit with your lifestyle.
Don’t dietitian’s just focus on weight loss?
In the past, many dietitians were trained to focus heavily on weight loss as a primary health goal. This often led to rigid meal plans, calorie counting, and a focus on numbers rather than people.
But the field has evolved — thank goodness!
Good dietitians now practice from a weight-inclusive, non-judgemental approach that focuses on health behaviours, not body size. This means:
You won’t be weighed unless it’s clinically necessary or requested by you (and only with your consent)
Your health concerns will be taken seriously — no matter your body size
They’ll focus on habits like nourishing meals, movement, sleep, stress, and connection
You’ll be supported to improve your relationship with food and your body, not judged for it
This is part of a growing movement toward Health at Every Size® (HAES) and compassionate, trauma-aware nutrition care.
Dietitians understand that health is complex, and that focusing primarily on weight is harmful. Instead, we look at the bigger picture: your biology, your lived experience, and what truly supports your improved wellbeing — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
What Is a Nutritionist?
Here’s where it gets confusing: the term “nutritionist” is not regulated in Australia.
Anyone can legally call themselves a nutritionist — even without formal training.
That said, there are qualified nutritionists who have completed degrees in nutrition science, usually with a public health or wellness focus. Some may be registered with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) if they meet certain criteria. Dietitians are also qualified nutritionists, who have further training.
Nutritionists however, cannot provide medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions or people with complex medical backgrounds. They also aren’t eligible for Medicare rebates or NDIS funding for this reason. Sometimes also referred to as ‘clinical nutritionist’ or ‘nutrition specialist’).
If you're considering seeing a nutritionist, it’s important to:
Ask about their qualifications and training
Check if they’re part of a recognised professional body
Ensure their advice is evidence-based and safe for your specific health needs
Nutritionists are skilled at providing general healthy eating advice, guidance on how food impacts health, and support to make positive lifestyle changes. They more often work in a community, organisation or population level, delivering more general guidance.
What Is a Naturopath?
Naturopaths practise a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that combines traditional and modern health practices. This typically includes herbal remedies, supplements, homeopathy, and lifestyle advice.
Naturopathy training varies widely:
Some complete advanced diplomas or bachelor degrees in naturopathy
Others may have only completed short online courses
It's important to note that Naturopaths are not recognised as healthcare providers under Medicare or the NDIS. This is because their training does not include clinical management of complex medical conditions, and may recommend testing that is not evidence based.
Naturopathy focuses on the concept of “natural healing” and may appeal to people seeking alternatives to conventional medicine. It’s important to know:
Naturopaths are not trained to manage complex medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders or other complex conditions and medications.
Their treatments often lack strong scientific evidence
They are not regulated by a national body, which means there’s no standardised scope of practice
They may include restrictive diets which lead to long term eating problems including nutrient deficiencies or eating disorders.
Naturopathy is the most popular form of complementary medicine in Australia, and while the science is limited, this area provides people with an alternative to conventional medicine that focuses on natural options.
Which One Should You See?
It depends on your needs:
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Why I Take a Holistic Approach as a Dietitian
As an Accredited Practising Dietitian, I believe in treating each client as a whole person — not just a diagnosis. This means I’ll consider your physical health, emotional wellbeing, food relationship, lifestyle, and culture when supporting you with nutrition.
“I combine evidence-based care with compassionate, practical guidance ...so you feel confident and supported, not judged or overwhelmed”
And because I offer telehealth dietitian services Australia-wide, you can access this support from anywhere — with Medicare subsidy available if referred by your GP under a chronic condition plan.
Need Support With Your Health?
If you’re unsure who to see or have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, I’d love to support you with personalised, evidence-based care.