Can Anyone Refer to Themselves as a Nutritionist? Unpacking the Legal and Ethical Issues
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist" in many jurisdictions, as the title is often not legally protected. This lax regulation is in stark contrast to the highly regulated and protected title of a Registered Dietitian, making it critical for consumers to understand the difference. Can anyone refer to themselves as a nutritionist? The answer is complex and depends heavily on location.