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

I wasn’t a mother, not a nutritionist, not someone who has taken care of people for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

With that funding, the team added a full-time nutritionist, massage therapists and a new ski-service truck affectionately known as Nelly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

"Children are not getting an adequate diet because of this drought...they depend on camel and goat milk but there is now no milk at all," said hospital nutritionist Khalid Ahmed Wethow.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

A modern nutritionist would have applauded those seven eastern U.S.crops.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond