When you get in your car, you fasten your seat belt, because it is safer to have one on. When you cross a road, you check there are no cars coming, because it is safer then just walking out.
So, why do we insist in taking advice from people who may do more harm than good for our health? If you are taking advice on diet, ask a Registered Nutritionist not an unregistered one.
Here are 10 reasons why you will be safer:
- They have to give you advice based on the bulk of the evidence – not one study
- They have to keep to the areas of expertise they are trained in
- They have to keep up to date so you are guaranteed the latest information
- They have to act in the best interest of their clients – not their wallets or their fame
- They have to keep information about clients confidential – just like your doctor
- They have to be insured
- They have to have a complaints procedure
- They have to avoid misleading advertising – no guarantees of results in weeks!
- They have to behave outside of work too
- They have to stick to the Association for Nutrition’s Code of Ethics (which contains ALL of the above) or they get struck off – just like your doctor
So, next time you need advice from a nutritionist, check they are registered with the Association for Nutrition
NB. Dietitian is a title which only those registered with HCPC can use. You are also safe with a dietitian, they have to stick to a very similar code of conduct.