When people think about health professionals, GPs, physiotherapists and psychologists often come to mind first. Another specialist plays a huge role in everyday health and long-term wellbeing: the dietitian.

Many people search for answers about what dietitians do or what happens at a nutritionist appointment, especially when online advice is often conflicting or oversimplified.

This guide explains the role of dietitians in Australia, how they differ from nutritionists, and what typically happens during a first appointment. We will explain what dietitians do, how they differ from nutritionists and exactly what to expect at your first dietitian appointment, so you can decide what kind of support is right for you.

What does a dietitian do?

At its core, a dietitian helps you understand how food affects your health and works with you to make evidence-based changes that fit your lifestyle.

In Australia, dietitians are university-trained health professionals with specialised education in food, nutrition and medical nutrition therapy. Their role goes far beyond generic healthy eating tips. They are trained to translate complex nutrition science into practical, personalised advice you can realistically follow.

Dietitians work with people managing medical conditions such as diabetes, IBS, food allergies, heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. They also support people with weight management, gut health, fertility and pregnancy nutrition, sports performance and long-term disease prevention.

You will find dietitians working across hospitals, private practices, aged care, community health services and elite sporting environments. Many also collaborate closely with GPs, specialists and other allied health professionals to ensure your care is joined up rather than fragmented.

In Australia, dietitians are accredited through Dietitians Australia. Those who hold the title Accredited Practising Dietitian, or APD, meet strict national standards and must complete ongoing professional development to keep their knowledge current. This accreditation is a key marker of evidence-based, trustworthy care.

A dietitian’s role goes beyond telling you what to eat.They help you understand why certain foods matter for your health and create a clear, personalised roadmap to help you reach your goals.

How is a dietitian different from a nutritionist?

This is one of the most common points of confusion and for good reason.

In Australia, the title ‘nutritionist’ is not legally protected. That means training and qualifications can vary widely. Some nutritionists hold university degrees in nutrition science and register with the Nutrition Society of Australia as Accredited Nutritionists. Others may have completed shorter courses with less clinical focus.

Dietitians, on the other hand, complete additional clinical training that allows them to work directly with medical conditions. They are recognised by Medicare, the NDIS and most private health insurers, which means you may be eligible for rebates when seeing a dietitian.

Nutritionists can provide valuable guidance on general healthy eating, lifestyle habits and preventative health. They can be excellent for general healthy eating advice, lifestyle changes, sports nutrition and preventative health. However, if you have a diagnosed medical condition or complex symptoms, a dietitian is usually the more appropriate choice.

What to expect at your first dietitian appointment

Many people expect strict rules or rigid meal plans, but first appointments are typically practical and collaborative. A first dietitian appointment is usually far more practical and collaborative than people expect.

1. Before your appointment

When you book your first session, most dietitians will send you:

• A short health questionnaire (covering medical history, medications, symptoms and lifestyle).
• A food diary request (for a few days) to record your typical meals and snacks.
• Details about fees and whether you can claim Medicare or private health rebates.

This preparation helps them get a complete picture of your health before you even walk into the room, so the session can focus on solutions rather than paperwork.

2. Initial consultation

First appointments usually last between 45 and 60 minutes. The focus is on building understanding, not just being handed a meal plan. Here’s what happens:

• Medical and lifestyle history: Your dietitian will talk through your health condition, family background, allergies, sleep, stress levels and physical activity.
• Food patterns: You will discuss your current eating patterns, including favourite foods, meal timing, cooking habits and any cultural or social factors that matter to you.
• Goals and challenges: You will also spend time clarifying your goals. Whether you are trying to manage blood sugar, ease digestive symptoms, lose weight or simply feel more energised, these goals shape the advice you receive.
• Initial education: Most people leave their first session with practical tips they can start using straight away. This might include portion guidance, label-reading skills or simple food swaps.
• Personalised strategy: Rather than rigid meal plans, many dietitians focus on flexible, tailored strategies that adapt to real life.

The process is typically collaborative and focused on sustainable, realistic changes. It’s less about restriction or judgement, and more about building sustainable habits that feel achievable and enjoyable.

3. Follow-up sessions

Ongoing appointments support long-term progress and adjustment. These sessions are usually around 30 minutes and may be scheduled weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on your needs.

Dietitians usually schedule follow-ups to:

• Review your progress and challenges.
• Adjust your plan as your circumstances change.
• Provide accountability and encouragement.
• Offer new strategies or recipes to keep things fresh.

What happens at a nutritionist appointment?

If you are leaning towards seeing a nutritionist, you might be wondering: What happens at a nutritionist appointment?

Nutritionist appointments often follow a similar structure, focusing on current eating habits, lifestyle factors and goals. The difference is usually the scope of care rather than the format of the session.

Nutritionists generally focus on overall wellbeing, healthy habits and preventative strategies. They are less likely to work with complex medical conditions unless they also hold dietetics qualifications. Medicare rebates are usually not available for nutritionist sessions, which is something to factor into your decision.

So if you’re wondering what to expect at your first nutritionist appointment, think general wellness advice, food education and lifestyle strategies. If you are already relatively healthy and want guidance on improving everyday eating habits, a nutritionist can be a great fit.

Common reasons people book a dietitian

Australians book dietitians for a wide range of health and lifestyle reasons, not just weight management.

Some book support for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease. Others seek help for digestive issues like IBS, coeliac disease, reflux or food intolerances. Life stages also bring people through the door, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause and healthy ageing.

Dietitians also play a big role in sports nutrition, helping people fuel workouts, recover well and improve performance. Many people book appointments for weight management too, looking for safe and sustainable approaches that steer clear of fad diets.

Preventative care is another growing reason people seek help. Working with a dietitian can reduce future risk of chronic disease and build a healthier relationship with food long term.

Final thoughts

Understanding what a dietitian does is the first step in taking charge of your health. Whether you’re managing a condition, navigating a new life stage or simply want clearer guidance around food, dietitians offer personalised, evidence-based support that meets you where you are.

If your focus is more on general wellness and lifestyle improvements, a qualified nutritionist can also be a suitable option.

Either way, investing in professional nutrition advice is an investment in yourself. It can pay off in better energy, stronger health and a better quality of life.

If you’re ready to explore the next step, you can compare trusted dietitians and nutritionists near you on Bark today.