In France, a nutritionist is a doctor, we also speak of a nutritionist doctor. He is a food and nutrition specialist and therefore has an excellent knowledge of the benefits and harms of food and their effect on the body.

Its roles are numerous. These include:

• prevent, detect and treat nutritional diseases: overweight, obesity, food intolerances and allergies, 2 type diabetes, digestive disorders or even hypercholesterolemia;
• determine the causes of eating disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia or even food phobias) and take charge of them;
• help the patient to find or regain a good nutritional balance;
• or even offer nutritional programs that are perfectly suited to the physiological needs of patients according to their condition or disease.

As a doctor, the nutritionist can prescribe medication and medical examinations.

The dietitian is not a doctor but a professional in the paramedical sector. This is the reason why the consultation with a nutritionist doctor is covered by the Health Insurance, while that with a dietitian is not against not reimbursed.

Note that a general practitioner can refer his patient to one or other of these professionals. What matters above all is the relationship of trust to be established with the nutrition expert.

In Quebec, the nutritionist (also known as a dietitian) is not a doctor. He is a qualified paramedical professional and works in various fields of practice: critical care, mental health, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, gastroenterology, degenerative diseases, etc.

The consultation is not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.

It is advisable to consult a nutritionist to lose or gain weight, but also to adapt your diet according to a particular condition or disease. Thus, there are many reasons for consultation. These include:

• obesity or overweight;
• type 2 diabetes;
• hypercholesterolemia;
• certain cancers requiring a specific diet;
• food intolerances or allergies;
• anorexia or bulimia;
• or the cardiovascular illnesses.

Losing weight, for whatever reason has led to the excess, is a long process. To achieve this, it is crucial to follow a suitable diet.

The nutritionist, by understanding the history and eating habits of his patient, is an asset in increasing the chances of achieving this.

When you practice sport, a balanced diet and good hydration are essential elements.

But when physical activity is intense, a specialized diet is required. As a food specialist, the nutritionist offers a diet adapted to the needs and constraints of an athlete. Note that the nutritionist adapts the menus he offers during training or competition periods.

In France

To become a nutritionist, you must obtain a diploma of complementary specialized studies (DESC) in nutrition. This is a so-called type I DESC, which lasts 2 years. To do this, you must first hold a DES (diploma of specialized studies), namely the diploma that the student obtains at the end of the internship:

• after having completed 6 years of medical study;
• and after having passed the national classifying tests at the end of 6th year, which allow access to the boarding school.

Finally, to be able to practice and carry the title of doctor, the student must also defend a research thesis.

Note that with a DESC type I, the young doctor retains his title of specialist in the specialty of his DES.

In Quebec

To become a dietitian / nutritionist, you must have successfully completed one of the three university programs offered by universities in Quebec1 :

• the bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Laval;
• le Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics Major) de l’Université McGill ;
• the bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Montreal.

Finally, to be able to practice, you must be a member of the Professional Order of Dietitians of Quebec.