How to choose a nutritionist in Medellín (and how to know if I'm the right fit)
When you search for the "best nutritionist in Medellín" you get directories, lists and star ratings that all look alike. This guide is what I would check if I were the patient. At the end I explain how I work, so you can compare with a clear head.
Nutritionist, dietitian, or nutritionist-dietitian?
Online these are used almost interchangeably, but they describe different training. A dietitian (nutricionista-dietista) completed a professional degree focused on nutrition and dietetics and knows meal planning in depth. A physician-nutritionist, like me, studied medicine first and trained in clinical nutrition afterwards.
Neither is better than the other. The difference is what each can assess: with medical training you can interpret diagnoses, lab results and medications alongside food, which matters if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, a pregnancy, or take medication. If you only want a meal plan and no medical condition is involved, a good dietitian can also be an excellent choice.
What to check before you book
- Training. Ask where she studied and what she specialized in afterwards. A good professional will tell you straight away.
- ReTHUS registration. In Colombia, health professionals register in the national health workforce registry (ReTHUS). You can look a person up with their ID number on the Ministry of Health and Social Protection website.
- Reviews on an independent platform. Testimonials on a site the professional controls weigh less than reviews on platforms such as Doctoralia or Google. Read the comments, not just the average: reviews that describe what happened in the visit say more than the stars.
- What she promises. Be wary of guaranteed results in a few days, one diet for everyone, long lists of forbidden foods, and mandatory supplements or in-house products.
- What she reviews in the first visit. Before giving you a plan she should ask about your medical history, lab results, medications, schedule and goals.
- How follow-up works. Ask how often you will be seen, how you can reach her between visits, and what happens if the plan isn't working.
- Where and how she sees patients. In person or online, in which language, and in which part of the city. Choose what you will actually be able to keep up.
- Clear fees. She should tell you what a visit costs and what it includes before you book.
How I work, so you can compare
I'm Dr. Andrea Pérez Jaramillo, a general physician trained at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, with a master's in Nutrition and Food (University of Barcelona). I also hold complementary certifications in complementary feeding and breastfeeding, nutrition, and nutritional genomics; the details are on About.
I see patients in person in El Poblado and online, in English and Spanish, as a private consultation. My Doctoralia profile has more than 90 verified reviews averaging 5/5; you can read them there and check what I tell you: see my Doctoralia profile.
I work by reaching agreements, not by banning foods: I review your history, lab results and medications, and we build a plan you can keep up in real life.
Which visits can I help with?
- Weight management: overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome, without impossible diets.
- Clinical nutrition: diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid and digestive health.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding (including BLW).
- Wellness talks and workshops for companies.
If you are looking for a few-day diet or guaranteed results, my approach is probably not what you need, and I'd rather tell you that up front.
Want to talk before you decide? Message me and I will tell you what your first visit would look like.
💬 Book via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
A dietitian (nutricionista-dietista) completed a professional degree in nutrition and dietetics. A physician-nutritionist studied medicine and trained in clinical nutrition afterwards, so besides food she can assess diagnoses, lab results and medications. The right choice depends on what you need.
How do I check that a nutritionist is a registered health professional in Colombia?
Look up her registration in the national health workforce registry (ReTHUS) of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection using her ID number, and ask her where she trained.
How much does a nutrition consultation cost in Medellín?
Fees vary by professional and type of visit. Dr. Andrea's fees are listed on her Doctoralia profile and confirmed by WhatsApp when you book.
Does Dr. Andrea see patients in English and online?
Yes. She sees patients in English and Spanish, in person in El Poblado, Medellín, and online for patients across Colombia and abroad.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Recent lab results if you have them, a list of the medications and supplements you take, and your goals. That lets the plan be more precise from the first session.
This guide is informational and does not replace a consultation. To assess your case, book a clinical nutrition consultation.
