"I'm looking for a nutritionist near home" that's how the process often begins. Yet in France, dietitian and nutritionist do not designate the same thing legally. Understanding the difference will help you move towards the right professional depending on your situation. Amanda Grandet, a state-graded dietitian in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, made the point.
The title of dietitian: a state diploma protected by law
In France, the title Dietitian is a regulated profession, regulated by the Public Health Code (article L4371). In order to legally exercise this title, it is compulsory to hold:
- of a BTS Dietetic (Patent of Senior Technician, 2 years after the baccalaureate)
- or PURPOSE Biological Engineering, Diet and Nutrition (3 years)
Dietitian is a paramedical health professional, registered in the Shared Directory of Health Professionals (RPPS) with an ADELI number assigned by the Regional Health Agency. This number is verifiable by any patient.
His training is dense and scientific: biochemistry, physiology, culinary techniques, clinical nutrition, compulsory internships in a professional setting. It is trained to analyze nutritional needs, establish a personalised diet check-up and take care of patients with food-related pathologies, on medical prescription. Find out more about my page.
The title of nutritionist: no legal protection
That's where many people are surprised: the title of "nutritionist" is not protected by law in France. There is no official "nutritionist" diploma, no legal definition, and no compulsory registration in a professional register.
In concrete terms: anyone can present himself as a "nutritionist" after having received a private training of a few weeks, whether serious or not. There is no control over the use of this term.
This does not mean that all those who present themselves as nutritionists are incompetent, some private training is of quality. But unlike the dietitian, nothing legally guarantees their level of competence.
What about the nutritionist doctor?
The nutritionist doctor is a doctor (so with 10+ years of medical studies) who then received further training in nutrition:
- either via the DES Endocrinology-diabetes and nutrition (speciality in its own right)
- either via Transversal Specialised Training (TSF) Applied Nutrition (1 year)
The nutritionist doctor may prescribe medicines, carry out biological examinations and manage heavy pathologies (severe obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases). His consultations are reimbursed by Social Security.
Who to consult according to your situation?
Consult a dietitian if you wish:
- Loss of weight lasting without restrictive regime
- Rebalance your daily diet
- Improving your sports performance through nutrition
- Adapt your diet during pregnancy
- Manage food intolerance (gluten, lactose)
- Optimize the results of an aesthetic treatment (e.g. cryolipolysis)
- Adopt a balanced vegetarian or vegan diet
Consult a nutritionist if you have:
- Heavy food-related pathology (diabetes, severe obesity, anorexia)
- Need for nutrition-related medication
- A medical prescription for nutritional care
Why dietetic follow-up is complementary to cryolipolysis
In AG Cryolipolyse Mandelieu, Amanda Grandet proposes the two approaches together and this is no coincidence. Cryolipolysis eliminates localised fat pools that are resistant, but it does not change eating habits. Without nutritional monitoring, fat can return to treated areas or redistribute elsewhere.
Amanda's personalised dietary follow-up complements:
- Maintain long-term cryolipolysis results
- Adopt eating habits adapted to your metabolism
- Avoid Yoyo Effect
- Optimize the elimination of fat cells removed by the lymphatic system
It is this dual approach: non-invasive aesthetic treatment + nutritional support that differentiates the practice from a simple cryolipolysis centre.
Amanda Grandet: Dietitian graduated from the state in Mandelieu
Amanda Grandet is State-qualified dietitian, holder of the dietary BTS. She has practiced in a liberal practice in Mandelieu-la-Napoule for more than 8 years and has accompanied more than 450 patients in their nutritional work.
Its approach: tailor-made programs adapted to your lifestyle, metabolism and goals, without strict diet or deprivation.
Consultations available in practice in Mandelieu (accessible from Cannes, La Bocca, Mougins, Pégomas and Théoule-sur-Mer) and by videoconference.
