Work with the best Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists covered by insurance

Fay helps you find the best board-certified, registered dietitians covered by your insurance. Dietitians you find on Fay are vetted and available for virtual or in-person sessions.

Online nutrition counseling with little or no out-of-pocket costs.

and 700+ more plans
and 700+ more plans

The Best Registered Dietitians Near You

Fay has high standards for quality of care, read more about how we screen providers to guarantee you're meeting with the best nutrition and wellness experts in the country.

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Video and In Person

Zoe Fienman, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
9
96
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, diabetes, high-cholesterol, food-allergies, vegan-vegetarian, pcos, ibs, crohns-disease, ibd, sports-nutrition, gut-health, general-nutrition
meal-planning, accountability, motivational-interviewing, mind-body-connection, exercise, functional, supplement-management
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Vegan & Vegetarian, PCOS, IBS, Crohn's Disease, IBD, Sports Nutrition, Gut Health, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video Only

Maura Stewart, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
4
77
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, diabetes, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, pcos, pediatrics, gerd, sports-nutrition, thyroid-health, general-nutrition
meal-planning, intuitive-eating, motivational-interviewing, relationship-with-food, mind-body-connection, sleep, exercise, health-at-every-size-haes, personalized-macros
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, PCOS, Pediatrics, GERD, Sports Nutrition, Thyroid Health, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video and In Person

Kirsten Morrisson, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
7
100
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, eating-disorders, bariatric, general-nutrition
intuitive-eating, accountability, motivational-interviewing, relationship-with-food, mind-body-connection, exercise, health-at-every-size-haes
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating, Bariatric, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video Only

Michele Brooks, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
14
100
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
diabetes, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, food-allergies, pcos, autoimmune, ibs, colitis, crohns-disease, celiac, ibd, gerd, pots, thyroid-health, gut-health, menopause, general-nutrition
intuitive-eating, accountability, motivational-interviewing, fodmap, elimination-diet, relationship-with-food, sleep, exercise, lab-testing, functional, integrative, holistic, supplement-management, personalized-macros
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, PCOS, Autoimmune, IBS, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Celiac, IBD, GERD, POTS, Thyroid Health, Gut Health, Perimenopause & Menopause, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video and In Person

Jonathan Condon, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
6
74
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
diabetes, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, eating-disorders, ibs, general-nutrition, sibo, gut-health, bariatric, gerd, ibd, crohns-disease, celiac, colitis, vegan-vegetarian, food-allergies, weight-loss
intuitive-eating, motivational-interviewing, relationship-with-food, mind-body-connection, sleep, exercise, lab-testing, health-at-every-size-haes, cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt
AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating, IBS, General Nutrition, SIBO, Gut Health, Bariatric, GERD, IBD, Crohn's Disease, Celiac, Colitis, Vegan & Vegetarian, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Weight Loss

Seeing clients in: AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA

Video and In Person

Lindsey Hughes, RD

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Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
19
87
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, diabetes, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, food-allergies, vegan-vegetarian, ibs, kidney-disease, celiac, ibd, gerd, sports-nutrition, bariatric, general-nutrition
meal-planning, intuitive-eating, accountability, motivational-interviewing, mind-body-connection, exercise, lab-testing, holistic, cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt, plant-based
AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Vegan & Vegetarian, IBS, Kidney Disease, Celiac, IBD, GERD, Sports Nutrition, Bariatric, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA

Video and In Person

Connor Freed, RD

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Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
9
77
aetna, anthem, blue-cross-blue-shield, blue-care-network, blue-cross, blue-shield, care-first, cigna, empire, golden-rule, highmark, horizon, independence-blue-cross, optum, oxford, regence-blue-cross-blue-shield, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, diabetes, ibs, celiac, gerd, sports-nutrition, bariatric, general-nutrition
motivational-interviewing, mind-body-connection, exercise, functional, health-at-every-size-haes
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, Diabetes, IBS, Celiac, GERD, Sports Nutrition, Bariatric, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video Only

Maria Nunez Ibarra, RD

check mark

Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
61
100
aetna, cigna, golden-rule, optum, oxford, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, eating-disorders, food-allergies, pregnancy, gerd, bariatric, gut-health, general-nutrition
meal-planning, intuitive-eating, accountability, motivational-interviewing, fodmap, elimination-diet, relationship-with-food, mind-body-connection, sleep, exercise, lab-testing, personalized-macros
AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Golden Rule, Optum, Oxford, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Pregnancy & Postpartum, GERD, Bariatric, Gut Health, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AZ, CA, CO, HI, MI, NJ, VA

Video Only

Rachel Haggard, RD

check mark

Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
19
71
aetna, anthem, blue-cross-blue-shield, blue-care-network, blue-cross, blue-shield, care-first, cigna, empire, golden-rule, highmark, horizon, independence-blue-cross, optum, oxford, regence-blue-cross-blue-shield, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
eating-disorders, food-allergies, vegan-vegetarian, ibs, colitis, celiac, ibd, gerd, gut-health, sibo, general-nutrition
intuitive-eating, motivational-interviewing, fodmap, elimination-diet, relationship-with-food, mind-body-connection, functional, holistic, health-at-every-size-haes, supplement-management, plant-based
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Vegan & Vegetarian, IBS, Colitis, Celiac, IBD, GERD, Gut Health, SIBO, General Nutrition

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IN, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Video and In Person

Cleopatra Hopkins, RD

check mark

Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

101
1
81
aetna, anthem, blue-cross-blue-shield, blue-care-network, blue-cross, blue-shield, care-first, cigna, empire, golden-rule, highmark, horizon, independence-blue-cross, optum, oxford, regence-blue-cross-blue-shield, select-health, united-healthcare, united-medical-resources
weight-loss, high-cholesterol, high-blood-pressure, eating-disorders, food-allergies, vegan-vegetarian, pregnancy, gerd, general-nutrition, menopause, gut-health
meal-planning, intuitive-eating, accountability, motivational-interviewing, mind-body-connection, sleep, exercise, lab-testing, holistic, cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Accepts video appointments
Accepts in-person appointments

Insurances: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Empire, Golden Rule, Highmark, Horizon, Independence Blue Cross, Optum, Oxford, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Select Health, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources (UMR)

Specialties: Weight Loss, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating, Food Allergies & Sensitivities, Vegan & Vegetarian, Pregnancy & Postpartum, GERD, General Nutrition, Perimenopause & Menopause, Gut Health

Seeing clients in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

No more dietitians found

Fay has high standards for quality of care, read more about how we screen providers to guarantee you're meeting with the best nutrition and wellness experts in the country.

Select Health
Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Florida Blue
Golden Rule
Highmark
Optum
Carefirst
Oxford
Empire
Independence Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Horizon
Blue Cross
Blue Care Network
United Medical Resources (UMR)
Humana
Aetna
United Healthcare
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Anthem
Perimenopause & Menopause
Gut Health
SIBO
IBD
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Sports Nutrition
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
Cancer / Oncology
Kidney Disease
IBS
Crohn's Disease
GERD
Vegan & Vegetarian
Transplant
Colitis
Pediatrics
Bariatric
High Cholesterol
Thyroid Health
POTS
Autoimmune
PCOS
Celiac
Weight Loss
General Nutrition
🥗
Plant-Based
Weight Loss Medication
🔗
Integrative
🧠
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
💊
Supplement Management
🍴
Intuitive Eating
🥦
Meal Planning
💞
Relationship With Food
🔎
FODMAP
📏
Personalized Macros
🌿
Holistic
🚫
Elimination Diet
❤️
Health At Every Size (HAES)
🏃
Exercise
💬
Motivational Interviewing
🔬
Lab Testing
💤
Sleep
📊
Accountability
🧘
Mind-Body Connection
⚙️
Functional
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Everyone's journey is different, so your dietitian works with you 1 on 1 to provide a hyper-personalized plan

Fay’s dietitians are ready to support your every need, from weight loss to diabetes management or eating disorder treatment. Your nutrition expert is just a few clicks away.
85%
see improved lab results
95%
avoid partial or full hospitalization
94%
make lifestyle changes that help avoid complications
79%
of people safely reduce or avoid use of medication
83%
experienced increased body confidence
96%
feel empowered to make lifestyle decisions that involve food that bring them joy
93%
adopted intuitive eating techniques
90%
experience improved mental health

Hear what they're saying

Fay made it so affordable and easy
"I've struggled with PCOS for a while. Fay made it so affordable and easy to meet with a PCOS dietitian who has availability on nights and weekends. That almost never happens."
Amanda B.
I wish I knew about this sooner
"I meet with my nutritionist every other week and insurance covers all of it! I didn't even know I had this as a benefit. I wish I knew about this sooner."
Aaron E.
I knew I had to make some lifestyle changes
"When I became pre-diabetic, I knew I had to make some lifestyle changes. My nutritionist taught me a lot, and I've been managing my blood sugar with what I put on my plate"
Joseph D.
I feel more confident
"I lost 15 pounds after 3 sessions with my nutritionist. She helped me build a better relationship with food. I feel more confident in the kitchen and ordering out."
Molly W.
Critical for my daughter's recovery
"Fay was recommended to us by our psychiatrist and we were able to connect with an eating disorder specialist, which has been critical for my daughter's recovery."
Zoe T.
It only cost me $5 after insurance
"I was able to find the perfect nutritionist to help me manage my diabetes and IBS. I was shocked to learn that it only cost me $5 after insurance!"
Matt R.
I LOVE my dietitian
"I LOVE my dietitian. She designed a customized plan for me and kept me accountable. My sessions were FREE because insurance paid for it."
Kelly O.

How to find the right registered dietitian

1

Expertise in your area of interest

The right dietitian understands your challenges, whether it's gut health, weight loss, PCOS, diabetes, binge eating, or another issue. Instead of one-size-fits-all advice, they offer expert guidance tailored to your needs. With their support, you get a plan that feels realistic and not restrictive—so you can aim for lasting progress. Working with a specialist helps you build healthy habits that fit your life.

2

Proper credentials

Your journey to better health deserves expert guidance. Working with a registered dietitian (RD or RDN) means you get personalized nutrition support, backed by science. To earn their credentials, all RDs must earn a Master’s degree in the field of nutrition, complete hours of supervised work experience, and pass a rigorous national examination.

3

Affordable

Seeing a registered dietitian can be a gamechanger for your health, but the costs can add up fast. The good news? Most insurance plans cover dietitian visits, meaning you could pay $0 or as little as a $10 copay. Getting the support you need to eat better and feel your best shouldn’t break the bank.

4

A history of success

A dietitian with a strong track record knows what works and how to help you succeed. Client reviews and success stories show they’ve helped people improve their health, build lasting habits, and reach their goals. It’s all about real results. When you choose a dietitian with proven success, you can feel confident that you're in good hands.

The benefits of working with a registered dietitian

Health Conditions and Wellness Goals Supported by Registered Dietitians

Weight loss and weight management

Carrying excess weight can take a toll on your energy, confidence, and long-term health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. A registered dietitian helps you lose weight in a way that works for your body and lifestyle—no fad diets, just real, sustainable changes. With expert guidance, you can build better habits, feel your best, and improve your health in the long run.

Diabetes & Pre-diabetes

Managing diabetes or pre-diabetes while balancing work, family, and daily life can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to know what to eat or how to keep blood sugar levels steady. But staying on top of it helps you feel your best and lowers the risk of future health issues. A registered dietitian can guide you toward a practical, flexible approach that fits your life—treats included.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders like binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia affect both physical and mental health, making daily life feel overwhelming. They deplete the body of nutrients and reinforce harmful thoughts about food and body image, interfering with school, work, relationships, and overall well-being. Eating disorder treatment can help you rebuild a healthier relationship with food and your body.

Unhealthy eating habits 

Unhealthy eating habits can develop from stress, emotional eating, restrictive diets, or busy schedules that make balanced meals difficult. Over time, these patterns can lead to low energy, sugar cravings, binge eating urges, and poor health. A dietitian’s support can help you break the cycle and build a healthier relationship with food.

PCOS 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, insulin resistance, and fertility challenges. These issues can be hard to manage, but the right nutrition can make a difference. A registered dietitian helps create a personalized plan to support hormone balance, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote overall well-being.

Specialty diets

Following a specialty diet doesn’t have to mean giving up tasty food. Whether you're plant-based, keto, dairy-free, or need an anti-inflammatory or low-histamine diet, a registered dietitian helps you find satisfying alternatives while keeping your meals balanced. With expert guidance, you can stick to your diet without feeling restricted and get the nutrition you need.

Body image issues

Body image struggles can shape the way you view food, your health, your self-worth, and your entire life. Whether influenced by past experiences, chronic dieting, or societal pressure, these concerns can make it hard to feel at peace in your own skin. A registered dietitian helps you develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with food while supporting a mindset rooted in self-respect and well-being.

And much more…

Fay dietitians provide expert support for health conditions like autoimmune diseases, menopause, and digestive disorders such as IBS. They customize nutrition plans to help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and improve digestion. With the right guidance, you can make sustainable changes that support your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an expert registered dietitian?
How much does a registered dietitian cost?
Does insurance cover registered dietitian appointments?
When should you see a registered dietitian?
Are sessions with registered dietitians online or in person?
Can I change dietitians once I start?
How do dietitians and nutritionists with the Fay network usually work with clients?

How registered dietitians in Fay’s network can help

What is a registered dietitian?

A registered dietitian (RD) is a healthcare professional with specialized training in food and nutrition. They complete rigorous academic coursework, a supervised clinical internship, and a national certification exam. Many states also require licensure to ensure they meet high professional standards.

Unlike nutrition coaches, RDs are credentialed professionals who rely on science-backed strategies to guide their clients. If you're looking to improve your diet, manage a health condition, or reach specific wellness goals, an RD provides personalized advice tailored to your needs. They create realistic nutrition plans, help you build sustainable habits, and offer support for challenges like food sensitivities, weight management, and medical conditions such as diabetes. With an RD, you get expert guidance that prioritizes both health and long-term success

What does a registered dietitian do?

A registered dietitian (RD) helps you make informed food choices that support your health goals. They assess your eating habits, health metrics, and lifestyle to create a nutrition plan that works for you. Whether you need help managing a health condition, improving your diet, or just figuring out what to eat, an RD provides science-backed guidance tailored to your needs.

But nutrition isn’t just about meal plans. Your dietitian tracks your progress, teaches you how to meet your dietary needs, and connects you with other health services like fitness training or behavioral therapy if needed. They also break down nutrition labels, provide expert advice to healthcare professionals, and educate communities on healthy eating. With the latest research to guide their recommendations, an RD helps you build habits that support your long-term health.

What questions should you ask a registered dietitian?

When meeting with a registered dietitian (RD), it’s important to ask how they can help you achieve your nutrition and wellness goals. For example, you might ask about their experience helping people overcome challenges like weight loss plateaus or managing specific health conditions.

It’s also helpful to understand what lifestyle changes they may suggest and how these can fit into your daily routine. Since staying on track can be difficult, ask how they’ll help you navigate obstacles like social pressures, body image concerns, and emotional eating. You may also want to discuss strategies for making healthy choices while eating out.

Finally, if you're taking medications, supplements, or probiotics, mention them so your dietitian can tailor their advice to fit your overall health needs.

What's the difference between a nutritionist vs a registered dietitian?

Registered dietitians (RDs) are certified and highly qualified professionals with extensive training in food and nutrition. To become an RD, one must complete a master's degree, 1,000+ hours of supervised practice, pass a national exam, and even meet state licensing requirements. 

RDs are also trained to provide medical nutrition therapy, which includes specialized meal planning and treatments like IV or tube feeding.

On the other hand, anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist," regardless of formal training or credentials. While some nutritionists may have qualifications and offer useful dietary advice, they do not have the same regulated, in-depth training as RDs. The main takeaway? All RDs are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are RDs.

Can a registered dietitian prescribe medication?

No, registered dietitians (RDs) cannot prescribe medication. While RDs are highly trained in nutrition and can provide personalized meal plans, counseling, and support for managing various health conditions, prescribing medication is outside their scope of practice. RDs focus on evidence-based strategies to help improve your diet and overall health, such as medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

However, RDs can collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure your diet complements your medical treatment plan. They may also suggest lifestyle changes and provide guidance on how nutrition can support your overall health. If you need medication or medical treatments, an RD will work alongside your doctor to help manage your condition with a holistic approach.

Find the best registered dietitian who accepts your insurance

Three people sitting at a table, laughing, talking, and enjoying a meal together