Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered dietitian?
A registered dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met specific educational and professional requirements. They must:
- Receive a bachelor’s degree with approved coursework accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Graduate from an accredited, supervised internship program at a healthcare facility, community agency, and/or food service corporation.
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Meet the 75 credits every five years of continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
What is the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist?
The “RD” credential is a legal title that can only be used by experts who have earned and satisfied the above requirements.
It is very common for Registered Dietitians (RDs) to refer to themselves as “Nutritionists.” While it is true that all registered dietitians are “nutritionists,” not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. States have varying licensure laws. New York and New Jersey are two states that do not have licensure laws for registered dietitians. However, all of the team members at North Jersey Nutrition are licensed, qualified, and experienced Registered Dietitians.
A registered dietitian provides the most credible, reliable, objective nutrition information and research. They separate the facts from the myths and translate the latest scientific findings into information that is easy to understand and use.
What is a medically supervised weight loss program?
A medically supervised weight loss program is a joint effort between the patient and a licensed health care professional (a medical doctor and a licensed dietitian) to assist in weight reduction, treatment of weight-related conditions, and improving quality of life. They provide a safe, effective weight loss strategy with medical supervision. The client is provided with real-life behavioral modification techniques to help conquer weight and health concerns.
How is medical weight loss different from a commercial weight loss program or going to my primary care physician?
As opposed to simply asking a physician how to lose weight, a patient in a medically supervised program meets with a physician specifically trained in obesity medicine on a weekly basis with the healthcare team. The physician will determine if anti-obesity medication can be used to optimize the patient’s progress. He will follow their labs closely, ensuring they remain medically able to participate in our program and consume a low-calorie diet. Once a patient is enrolled in the program, they are assessed regularly by our licensed dietitian, where they will undergo weekly nutritional, behavioral, and exercise education.
Why does medical weight loss require regular follow-ups?
Numerous studies have proven that long-term weight loss success is greatest when supported by consistent and frequent visits. Regular visits help you stay on track. In these sessions, we keep your progress by customizing your program and developing strategies to cope with your unique challenges. This allows you to personalize the program to fit your specific needs. You can ask questions and raise any personal concerns as you educate yourself to maintain your weight loss. For your convenience, sessions can be done in person, or via Telehealth.
Are appetite suppressants required? How safe are they?
We believe that medications that suppress appetite can be a helpful tool and, like all tools, have their place in an overall approach. Your healthcare provider is specifically in obesity medicine and will listen and tailor a treatment plan that works for you. If that plan includes an appetite suppressant, we will prescribe the dosage to your needs and monitor their safety and effectiveness through your regular visits.
Do I need to buy special foods?
No. At North Jersey Nutrition, we don’t believe in “special foods.” However, often, the plans will involve eating meal replacements and taking nutritional supplements that are recommended because they provide most, if not all, of your nutritional needs.
Will I be told that I can't eat a particular food or food group?
Unless you are allergic to a particular food, there is no reason why you would have to eliminate a food or food group from your diet. All food can be enjoyed. Our goal is to guide and educate you on this.
Does health insurance cover nutrition counseling services?
Most health insurance plans cover nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian. However, in some cases, insurance may only cover specific medical conditions such as diabetes. It may also be limited to an in-network registered dietitian. An insurance specialist will work with you to ensure you receive accurate coverage from your insurance carrier.
Does health insurance cover medical weight loss or medically supervised weight management services?
We work with all insurance companies and have insurance specialists who will contact your individual insurer to inform you about what they cover, as different insurances provide different reimbursements. Since last year, Medicare and most other commercial insurance companies have offered coverage and/or reimbursements for preventative, nutritional, and medical weight loss. We also provide affordable plans for self-pay clients or those who do not receive adequate coverage from their insurance.
Does health insurance cover fitness or metabolic fitness training and workout programs offered by North Jersey Nutrition?
Health insurance will cover fitness or metabolic fitness training and programs offered by North Jersey Nutrition if the employer elects to offer them to their employees. Usually, employers who promote health awareness provide fitness or metabolic training programs to keep employees healthy. These programs are offered to employees as part of their regular benefits package. An insurance specialist will work with you to ensure you receive the appropriate coverage from your insurance carrier.
What time of day is the best time to exercise when wanting to lose weight?
There is no scientific evidence that supports a fluctuation in daily caloric expenditure based on the time of day that you exercise. Exercise at any time of day has benefits. However, exercising first thing in the morning is a great way to feel energized and get your internal fire burning. Exercising after dinner is a great way to burn off your last meal of the day. Exercising at lunchtime could mean that you have a smaller lunch. Exercise when it fits your schedule, and listen to your body to determine when you feel best doing it. Typically, your body adjusts to the pattern you create, but if exercising at night will prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep or doing it the first thing is too hard on your body, try another time.
Will weight training make me gain weight?
Weight training is an important component of any exercise regime. It can burn the same amount of calories as a cardiovascular workout when done in higher repetitions. Individuals looking to put on muscle mass for physical appearance typically lift weights that can only be done for 8-10 repetitions in a row before muscle failure. If you’re looking to tone your muscles and ultimately lose weight, do high repetitions, 15-20, before reaching muscle failure. Moving from one muscle group to the next in an interval fashion will keep your heart rate elevated as if you are working out on a piece of equipment such as a bike or treadmill.
Why do I need to work out with a personal trainer?
If exercising on a regular basis has not worked out for you in the past, it’s a good investment to try working with a certified professional one-on-one. Even by doing just a few introductory sessions, you will learn how to work out efficiently and, most importantly, safely. Our metabolic fitness trainer can design a personal program with just a few minor pieces of equipment for a total body workout to be done in your own home or at the gym of your choice. Having a weekly appointment is a great way to ensure that exercise is part of your weekly routine.
The gym I want to join offers a complimentary session. Why not just do that?
Upscale gyms usually offer a complimentary workout for new members. We highly recommend taking advantage of this, but it’s most likely that you will need more than just what they are offering. The introductory session at a gym is more like an orientation to the workout room. You will likely spend a lot of time getting adjusted to their equipment but will need more than just that one session to understand what type of exercise is right for you.
I want to work out at home; what kind of equipment should I get?
There are a lot of great things you can get for your home. Most major equipment manufacturers make light commercial versions of their machines to accommodate the home user. Before making this type of investment, set up an appointment with our metabolic fitness trainer so that you can learn about the pros and cons. Our trainer can point you in the right direction to make a sound and just decision that will be right for you.