A nutritionist can be a valuable member of your healthcare team. They can teach you essential skills for grocery shopping, meal planning, eating out, and reading food labels. They can also provide support and strategies for issues like emotional eating. For many people, appointments with a nutritionist also serve as a source of accountability.

“Back in February, I met with my dietitian and weighed in at 330.8 pounds. But when I met with my dietitian in March, I weighed in at 342.1 pounds. So we decided that I would start weighing in weekly,” explained a member of MyObesityTeam.

Not all nutritionists are the same. With social media and the modern world of influencers, it can be hard to know whose advice you can trust. Even if you find a qualified nutritionist, that doesn’t guarantee you’ve found the best match for you.

If you’ve met with a nutritionist in the past and it didn’t work out, don’t lose hope. You might just need a different one who can help you work toward not just specific food choices, but also your overall health and wellness goals. Here are some tips on how to search for a nutritionist who doesn’t just know nutrition, but also understands you.

Check Their Credentials and Your Coverage

The first step to finding a good nutritionist is to make sure they have a medical background and training. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. But the terms “registered dietitian” (RD) or “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) can only be used by healthcare professionals who meet specific standards.

Dietitians are qualified healthcare providers. They must follow guidelines set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, including:

• Earning a graduate degree in nutrition science and dietetics
• Completing at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice
• Passing a national exam
• Completing continuing education every five years
• Following a code of ethics
• Maintaining a state license to practice (depending on specific state requirements)

These regulations are the reason why the services of a dietitian are more likely to be covered by your health insurance plan. A nutritionist without a license isn’t likely to be covered.

Check with your insurance provider to find out if nutrition services are covered under your plan. You may have specific benefits, such as coverage for weight loss cooking classes or diabetes support groups.

Individual nutrition counseling may come with a copay that goes toward your plan’s deductible or can be paid for with health insurance accounts (like a health savings or flexible spending account). Some plans may include telehealth appointments with a registered dietitian over the phone or computer. It never hurts to do your research before you start calling providers.

You can also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian. Your dietitian can work with you on a nutrition plan and lifestyle changes to support your health goals. A dietitian’s services may be called medical nutrition therapy (MNT). MNT is an evidence-based practice that’s designed to treat specific needs and medical conditions. It may involve helping you work toward meeting healthy eating goals or managing any chronic conditions you have.

Ask About Their Experience With Obesity

All registered dietitians are trained to work with people who have obesity. But some are better at it than others. Like any profession, dietitians tend to focus on certain specialties and populations. Some have a stronger background in eating disorders, bariatric surgery, sports nutrition, or diabetes, for example. Other dietitians mainly work with specific groups, such as pregnant women, children, or seniors.

Despite some progress in recent years, weight stigmas and biases are still common in healthcare settings. Unfortunately, even experienced and compassionate dietitians can be part of the problem. Negative beliefs and attitudes about obesity can make people feel uncomfortable during medical appointments and become a barrier to positive change.

If you leave a nutrition appointment feeling judged or shamed about your weight, that’s a sign you haven’t found the right fit. A dietitian who understands obesity treatment knows the condition is complex — and they focus on support, not blame. They share knowledge and strategies that empower you to take control of your health conditions and general well-being.

Look for the Right Connection

Many people with obesity aren’t new to weight loss advice. But they still may need support to reach their health goals. That’s why a nutritionist’s role needs to go beyond one-size-fits-all diet plans.

“I have never had that much faith in dietitians because by this age, I know what to eat. I’m sure you do too,” said a MyObesityTeam member.

If you can relate to that sentiment, you may benefit from a nutritionist who uses a form of therapy known as motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing is one of the most effective strategies a nutritionist can use to encourage positive change, especially for people who already have a long history of dieting.

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative approach in which the session is guided by the person rather than the provider. It helps you feel heard and focus on what matters to you. This approach draws out your motivation to change, which is often more effective than having someone else tell you what to do.

Treatment options for obesity are growing, and the job of dietitians is evolving. Dietitians aren’t just available to help you set weight loss goals. They can also help you manage any side effects from medications you take and improve your metabolism, digestive health, mental health, and quality of life.

Finding a dietitian who uses motivational interviewing can make a big difference in your experience. Just as important, you need a dietitian you feel comfortable with and trust.

It’s not always possible to know whether you’re going to mesh well with a dietitian until you’ve actually had a chance to work together. You can read reviews and give them a try, but ultimately, you’ll need to decide for yourself. If the dynamics during your visits aren’t what you had hoped for, look for a different provider.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has an online search tool that lets you search for nearby nutrition experts. You can even search by in-person or telehealth availability, or based on your insurance plan.

Join the Conversation

On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you ever seen a nutritionist for help with weight management? Let others know in the comments below.