Why you may need more than a doctor…

Oct 24

When it comes to making lasting changes to your nutrition and fitness, the journey can feel overwhelming. Often, we turn to doctors as our first stop for health concerns, and while doctors are invaluable, they’re not necessarily experts in everything—especially when it comes to nutrition and fitness. That's where registered dietitians come in.

Doctors Are Great—But They Can’t Do It All!

Doctors are brilliant at what they do. They’re trained to diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, and manage acute and chronic conditions. But the reality is, most medical schools offer only limited education in nutrition. In fact, a survey from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that U.S. medical schools dedicate less than 25 hours to nutrition education on average during a doctor’s entire training. That ends up being about ~10% of their total educational credits and that's not a lot when you think about how much nutrition impacts our health. Dietitian’s have to have a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical experience to even sit for their exam.

Doctors are amazing at diagnosing and treating diseases, but they simply don’t have the time or specialized training to dive deep into the nutrition and lifestyle changes that are essential for sustainable weight loss, better energy, and overall well-being. Their appointments are typically short—often 15-20 minutes—leaving limited time to discuss in-depth dietary changes or personalized fitness plans.

Dietitians: The Experts in Nutrition and Personalized Plans

Here’s where dietitians are really helpful. Registered Dietitians (RDs) undergo years of education specifically focused on nutrition, metabolism, and how different foods and lifestyles affect the body. We don’t just give you general advice like “eat more veggies” or “drink more water.” Instead, dietitians take a personalized approach based on your unique body, medical history, and goals.

Dietitians help bridge the gap by offering:

Personalized nutrition plans tailored to your body’s needs.
A deep understanding of how food impacts chronic conditions like thyroid issues, diabetes, and gut health.
Strategies for overcoming barriers to weight loss or fitness goals.
Support with behavior change and accountability over time—something your doctor simply doesn’t have the bandwidth for.

Why Doctors and Dietitians Make the Perfect Team

Both doctors and dietitians play crucial roles in your health journey, but in different ways. Think of your doctor as the person who helps you manage medical conditions. Then, think of your dietitian as the expert who ensures your nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle are in sync to support those health goals.

Doctors may tell you that you have high cholesterol or are pre-diabetic, but a dietitian can guide you on what to eat, how to exercise, and how to develop habits that can reverse or manage these conditions in the long term.

Why Limited Time with Doctors Isn't Enough

Doctors often see a large number of patients each day, meaning they typically have 10-15 minutes per visit to cover a lot of ground. This leaves little time to focus on how you can change your diet or exercise habits in a way that works for your life. In contrast, dietitians provide the ongoing support and time that you need to succeed with these changes. You can work with a dietitian over weeks or months, allowing them to tweak your plan, address obstacles, and provide continuous motivation.

We can’t all be experts at everything, and that’s okay! Your doctor is there to help you manage medical concerns, but a registered dietitian is the expert you need when it comes to nutrition and fitness. They help take you from “managing” to thriving by creating a personalized, sustainable plan that fits your life and goals.