What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a clinical dietitian?

A nutritionist advises healthy people. A clinical dietitian holds a higher qualification and works in a healthcare setting with chronic patients as part of the doctor’s team.

How much does a Synage doctor visit cost compared to a nutritionist?

Synage doctor visit: 300 € (25 min) or 490 € (45 min). A nutritionist in Estonia averages €40–80. For metabolic and medication questions, a doctor visit is often cheaper in practice, as it avoids 3–6 months of trial and error.

Dr Sergey Saadi with a patient during a consultation

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Weight loss & health

Doctor vs. nutritionist – which is right for you?

A common question: "I want to lose weight - who should I see?" The answer depends on your health, medications and goal. Here's a clear comparison of where the line falls and what each specialist may do.

Book a doctor visit View the weight-loss program

Doctor (family medicine / preventive medicine)

• Orders and interprets all lab tests
• Prescribes and adjusts medication (incl. GLP-1, metformin, statins)
• Diagnoses insulin resistance, PCOS, thyroid disorders
• Is responsible for medical decisions

Nutritionist

• Builds menus and recipes
• Behavioral support and journaling
• Shopping lists, food diary, habits
• Doesn't interpret labs or prescribe medication

Who may do what – comparison

Question / goal	Doctor	Nutritionist
Weight loss (>3 kg / persistent issues) - doctor: Looks for the metabolic cause (insulin, thyroid, cortisol, medication). GLP-1 or metformin if needed.; nutritionist: Menu planning and behavioral support.	Yes	No
Meal planning and everyday recipes - doctor: Gives direction but doesn’t build a detailed daily plan.; nutritionist: Core work – weekly menus, shopping lists, recipes.	No	Yes
Insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, Kraft insulin test - doctor: Orders and interprets, prescribes treatment.; nutritionist: May not interpret labs or prescribe medication.	Yes	No
High cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a) - doctor: Assesses statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 indications.; nutritionist: Nutrition to support cholesterol management.	Yes	No
Adjusting medication doses (insulin, SGLT2, antihypertensives) - doctor: Only the doctor may do this.; nutritionist: Not permitted.	Yes	No
Suspected eating disorder (ARFID, BED, orthorexia) - doctor: Screening and referral to a psychiatrist.; nutritionist: Behavioral support as part of the team.	Yes	No
Sports nutrition, gym goals for a healthy person - doctor: If needed – when there are health concerns, medications or lab questions.; nutritionist: A suitable choice.	Yes	Yes
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children - doctor: Medical questions.; nutritionist: Everyday menu for a healthy mother.	Yes	Yes
PCOS, thyroid, hormonal disorders - doctor: Diagnosis and treatment.; nutritionist: Nutrition as supportive therapy.	Yes	No
Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, kidneys) - doctor: Always the doctor first.; nutritionist: Working together with the doctor.	Yes	No

Weight loss (>3 kg / persistent issues) - doctor: Looks for the metabolic cause (insulin, thyroid, cortisol, medication). GLP-1 or metformin if needed.; nutritionist: Menu planning and behavioral support.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Meal planning and everyday recipes - doctor: Gives direction but doesn’t build a detailed daily plan.; nutritionist: Core work – weekly menus, shopping lists, recipes.

Doctor: No
Nutritionist: Yes

Insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, Kraft insulin test - doctor: Orders and interprets, prescribes treatment.; nutritionist: May not interpret labs or prescribe medication.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

High cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a) - doctor: Assesses statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 indications.; nutritionist: Nutrition to support cholesterol management.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Adjusting medication doses (insulin, SGLT2, antihypertensives) - doctor: Only the doctor may do this.; nutritionist: Not permitted.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Suspected eating disorder (ARFID, BED, orthorexia) - doctor: Screening and referral to a psychiatrist.; nutritionist: Behavioral support as part of the team.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Sports nutrition, gym goals for a healthy person - doctor: If needed – when there are health concerns, medications or lab questions.; nutritionist: A suitable choice.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: Yes

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children - doctor: Medical questions.; nutritionist: Everyday menu for a healthy mother.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: Yes

PCOS, thyroid, hormonal disorders - doctor: Diagnosis and treatment.; nutritionist: Nutrition as supportive therapy.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, kidneys) - doctor: Always the doctor first.; nutritionist: Working together with the doctor.

Doctor: Yes
Nutritionist: No

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to see a doctor first?

If you take medication, have a chronic condition, want to lose more than 3 kg, or suspect a metabolic issue (fatigue, appetite control, salty-food cravings at night) – yes. Meal-planning and gym nutrition questions for a healthy person can go straight to a nutritionist.

Who is allowed to prescribe GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) in Estonia?

Only a doctor. A nutritionist may not prescribe or dose medication, including weight-loss drugs.

Does the doctor also give me a menu?

During the consultation we give nutritional direction (e.g. lower-carb, Mediterranean, time-restricted eating) and practical examples, but we don’t build a detailed weekly menu. For that we refer you to partners.

Still not sure?

Book a short doctor visit (25 min, 300 €) - we'll figure out together whether you need a doctor or a nutritionist is enough.

Book a consultation