How to Find a Dietitian in My Area

A dietitian can help you get your health on track. A dietitian can measure your body mass index, determine your current fitness and health level, analyze your current diet, and provide you with a new diet plan to follow that will help you get healthy and lose weight if necessary. However, you cannot enjoy these benefits until you find a dietitian in your area.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with your regular physician about seeing a dietitian. Your physician may be able recommend a dietitian who can help you with your specific food issues. Your physician is most likely aware of your current physical health, so if you have significant weight issues, for example, your physician will know to recommend a dietitian who specializes in weight-loss plans.

• 2

  Ask your medical insurance company for a list of dietitians in your area that will be covered by your plan or if the dietitian your physician recommended is covered. Often, services offered by dietitians are fully or at least partially covered by insurance.

• 3

  Find out if the dietitians recommended by your physician or insurance company are registered dietitians. This requires specialized training and certification, as well as advanced education. Contacting the dietitians and asking about this or checking with the American Dietetic Association can help you find out.

• 4

  Use the search feature on the American Dietetic Association's Web site, eatright.org, to find registered dietitians in your area if necessary.

• 5

  Ask each dietitian you're considering what types of services he offers and how your health will be screened. These services should include a diet and nutrition plan and can also include recommendations for a fitness plan and counseling for food addiction issues. The assessment should include blood work and analysis of your medical history, dietary habits, fitness routine and lifestyle. A body mass index test and body measurements to determine fat and lean body mass can also be helpful.