Over 2/3 of the American population considered overweight. Hence, it does not take much to conclude how admirably the diet industry continues to thrive as a feasible line of business. According to Fooducate, Americans spend over $60 billion to lose weight. Taking into account that 75 million people in the United States are actively trying to pursue fitness, the average annual spending per person ‘unsurprisingly’ escalates up to $800.
Curiously, only 20% of the entire estimated population of active weight ‘losers’ subscribe to a paid weight-loss group or consult with a health professional. It is for the benefit of these 2 out of 10 concerned people that health experts such as nutritionists and dietitians pursue their crucial calling. These health professionals offer fool-proof sound advice where commercial fads usually fail.
Main Investment Cost
The national average cost of a nutritionist is broadly around $50 to $175 per hour. It is important to take note, however, that prices may not exactly be accounted according to per hour basis. There are some health experts who would offer a fixed rate for a single open session that may exceed or go below 60 minutes. Most importantly, one must remember that the average dietitian cost for succeeding visits is significantly cheaper than the initial consultation.
Extra Investment Cost
The services of the health expert are invaluable for those who require constant guidance for a healthy lifestyle. Naturally, the prescribed adjustments recommended by a dietitian may entail other additional dietitian costs. These are the following areas of lifestyle adjustments that require extra monetary investment on the part of the patients:
Cooking School
Health experts would recommend advanced classes for patients who are relatively skilled in cooking. These classes are geared towards revealing secret recipes and cooking hacks for wholesome weight-loss food. These classes may cost $10 to $20 per session.
Shopping Services
Sometimes, the cost of a nutritionist may include additional services apart from creating, managing and supervising a weight-loss program. In fact, a lot of nutritionists and dietitians simply buy the groceries for their patients/clients. This special service may cost no less than $300 depending on the duration of foodstuff supply.
Gym Membership
A lot of no-nonsense nutritionists have a sterner or more intense approach to their weight-loss programs. Patients under their supervision are often advised to pay for monthly gym membership. In most cases, a nutritionist may be closely associated with the fitness organization managing the fitness gym. The cost of a gym membership may vary immensely. One of the most recommended brands in the United States, the “Fitness 19” club, offers a basic monthly membership worth $15 plus an initiation fee worth $49.
Nutritionist Versus Dietitian
Contrary to popular belief, the terms nutritionist and dietitian are not entirely interchangeable. Anyone, including licensed a dietitian, may consider oneself a career nutritionist. However, not every nutritionist is a licensed dietitian.
Nutritionist
The title nutritionist is often used loosely by a number of fitness enthusiasts who possess a working knowledge of nutrition and have made a successful career out of this enterprise. Considering that there is no defining authority that legally oversees this profession, it is up to the client to do the research in finding the right one. The best bet for a return on investment is to review their credentials. One should keep an eye on experts who earned the Certified Nutritionist or Certified Clinical Nutritionist title. According to the website called Health Research Funding, a nutritionist primarily specializes in providing medical therapy for people undergoing health issues associated with nutrition-related deficiencies.
Dietitian
Licensed dietitians no longer have to up their market value, considering that there’s a guaranteed premium associated with their title. Dietitians have a more extensive education than nutritionist which usually entails a two-year undergraduate course, one-year internship, and credited on-the-job training hours. Registered Dietitians (RD) often take a more holistic approach to their weight-loss programs. Apart from teaching and counseling, dietitians also handle severe cases of malnutrition and obesity. In fact, licensed dietitians do not only work in clinics or offices. Some of them even have high-profile field experience. Case in point: the United Nations and UNICEF have a regular staff of dietitians who oversee food preparations in impoverished or ground zero areas.
Ways To Find The Right Expert
In order to determine whether or not the specific dietitian cost is worth every penny, prospective patients and clients must consider where they found such health experts in the first place. Sources are the key to ensuring an advantage in terms of a good return on investment. These are the following recommended sources of referral that may improve one’s chances of working with the ideal health expert:
Family Physician
One of the best referrals one can get comes from a long-standing family physician. Doctors have a sizable network of clinical nutritionists or registered dietitians they can recommend for interested patients. Considering their familiarity with their patient’s medical history, they are most likely to recommend someone whose approach is tailored for the patient’s specific condition.
Local Public Health Department
The government administration responsible for a wide variety of periodic nutrition programs for low-income households is naturally well-connected with dietitians and nutritionists. The local public health department is an ideal choice for anyone who prefers the services of someone permanently based on the nearest location within a district or the city itself.
University Nutrition Department
The best advantage one can have from seeking dietitians and nutritionists in an academic institution is that they have the most extensive records of their finest alumni. It is always preferable to seek referrals from institutions that offer a doctorate program for nutrition or dietetics. Considering their credentials, the cost of a nutritionist may be a bit pricier than those recommended by the public health department.
American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
One of the best sources of referrals is the internet directory itself. Members of the American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics are listed in websites like Eatright.org. Licensed dietitians and nutritionists are featured right after putting one’s zip code in the search box of “Find an Expert” main menu (at the top right section of the main page).