The role of a dietitian can be extremely gratifying. They play an active part in helping people reach their diet goals, whether through weight loss, weight gain, working with food intolerance, etc. Dietitians have the incredible opportunity to watch patients progress and improve their quality of life.

But rewarding, though it may be, dietetics is not exempt from occupational frustrations. How many of these have you experienced? (6 or more, and you’re officially a dietetics veteran!)

People get you confused with a nutritionist

Nutritionist vs dietitian: let’s compare the two.

Anyone can claim to be a nutritionist, but becoming a dietitian takes years of intensive training, HCPC registration, and strict adherence to the British Dietetic Association’s regulations. Dietitian jobs involve more than just promoting a healthy diet—they also help with medical conditions and mental well-being.

No one knows how to spell your job title: ‘dietitian or dietician?’

Let’s get one thing straight: if we’re going to be friends, you must learn the correct spelling of dietitian. That’s D-I-E-T-I-T-I-A-N!

That is all.

When people jump on the latest diet trend and think they know more than you

*Note to self* Breathe; this current fad shall pass.

Please don’t confuse your 10-minute YouTube video with my hours of lectures, late-night studying and long days on placement.

Now, tell me again how you’re planning to live on a diet of baby food.

People saying fruit has too much sugar

…but they are magically forgetting about the dozen cocktails they had last Friday night.

Sugar-free diets might be all the rage these days, but the fruit from sugar is good for you. Don’t confuse refined sugars with natural ones.

Social media pushing unrealistic expectations

Social media is great for sharing advice and connecting with people but also has a dark side. It can promote unrealistic results and fad diets and encourage you to eliminate essential food groups. Influencers are paid to promote products but, in some cases, aren’t even using them, leaving people to choose a ‘magic weight-loss coffee’ over a nutritional diet.

“My weight hasn’t changed” when they didn’t follow the plan

A dietitian’s diet plan is carefully calculated around each patient’s individual goals, using precise research and knowledge – if results aren’t showing, it’s because the program isn’t being followed.

Being criticized every time you eat something remotely ‘unhealthy’!

Dietitians are people, too, so please let me enjoy my doughnut in peace! Everything is in moderation, after all.

Working overtime because your friends and family want advice

It’s better than asking Google or Cosmo, though, right?

Carbs, sugar and fat are not ‘bad for you’

A balanced diet DOES NOT eliminate one food group. Our bodies are designed to function around various foods, including carbohydrates, sugars and fats.

Who keeps coming up with these fads!?

You’re expected to be the poster child for health and beauty

You can be a dietitian and still have your health issues. You can be a dietitian and not look like a model. You can be a dietitian and enjoy ice cream from time to time. You can be a dietitian and have a bad skin day.

Rant over.

Join in on the conversation; share the article on social media and comment on what grinds your gears!

If you’re looking for dietitian jobs in the UK, contact our brilliant Dietetics Team at  02037515887.