nutritionist

American  

[noo-trish-uh-nist, nyoo-] / nuˈtrɪʃ ə nɪst, nyu- /

noun

1. a person who is trained or expert in the science of nutrition.

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nutritionist British  

/ njuːˈtrɪʃənɪst /

noun

1. a person who specializes in nutrition and the nutritive value of various foods

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Etymology

Origin of nutritionist

First recorded in 1925–30; nutrition + -ist

Explanation

A nutritionist is an expert on food, nourishment, and health. If someone is diagnosed with a condition such as diabetes, they may consult a nutritionist to help them make healthy meal plans. While a nutritionist doesn't need to have a special license (unlike a dietitian), most of them do have advanced degrees that require them to study human health and nutrition. Anyone who's interested in eating in a more healthful way can consult a nutritionist. Nutritionists also work in sports medicine, planning hospital meals for patients, and in nursing homes. It's generally a nutritionist's job to design meals that meet certain nutritional requirements or that treat specific ailments.

Example Sentences

Sion went on to qualify as a nutritionist and then opened his own gym.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The author is a nutritionist who wrote the bestselling book, “My Fat Dad: A Memoir of Food, Love and Family, With Recipes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Not necessarily, says Kezia Joy, a registered dietitian, nutritionist and medical adviser at Welzo, a healthcare platform.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

“A lot of people are realizing that processed food is terrible,” says Ruby Balaram, a self-taught canine nutritionist and creator of the weekend’s Feed Real Summit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Shackleton had consulted the British Army’s nutritionist, who believed in the newfangled idea of vitamins and who helped concoct the rations.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong