If you’ve tried to lose weight, you know that there are many options and each one seems to have its own book and product line.

Registered dietitians at UT Southwestern Medical Center say that a better and cheaper idea is to follow a plan designed specifically for you by a registered dietitian. So, what should you look for in a dietitian? And how can you find one?

Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, said the key is to look for a dietitian that specializes in the area you are looking for.

“Although all dietitians are trained to treat a broad array of health issues, dietitians—just like doctors—have specialty areas of practice as well,” Ms. Sandon said. “If food allergies or gluten sensitivity is your problem, you need a dietitian who works with these problems regularly. If you have diabetes, you should look for a dietitian in a diabetes center or one that has the Certified Diabetes Educator credential.”

Ms. Sandon stressed that personality is another important characteristic to consider when choosing a dietitian.

“Your dietitian should be someone you feel comfortable with and motivates you to continue down a healthier path,” she said. “You may need to try multiple dietitians before finding the right one.”

Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center