What professional specializes in nutrition and diet planning?

The professional who specializes in nutrition and diet planning is a dietitian. Dietitians are trained and often registered health professionals who have completed specific educational programs and may have passed licensing or certification exams. They apply their knowledge of foods and nutrition to help individuals make informed dietary choices, develop meal plans, and manage health conditions related to nutrition, such as diabetes or obesity.

While nutritionists also focus on nutrition and could offer dietary advice, the term "nutritionist" is not as strictly regulated as "dietitian." Therefore, dietitians are typically recognized as having the formal training and credentials necessary to create comprehensive diet plans and provide medical nutrition therapy.

In contrast, physiotherapists primarily focus on physical rehabilitation and the physical aspects of health, whereas general practitioners provide overall medical care without specializing solely in nutrition. Thus, dietitian is the most accurate choice for assessing and planning nutrition and diets.