3
Treatment
TOP 10 TAKEAWAY MESSAGES:
Obesity and Nutrition
1. Health outcomes are most improved with nutrition therapy
when the dietary interventions are evidence-based, quantitative,
qualitative, and promote patient adherence.
2. Low calorie diet is ~1,200–1,800 kcal/day; very low-calorie diet is
generally <800 kcal/day.
3. Fat restricted diet is often defined as 10–30% of total calories from
fat.
4. Low carbohydrate diet is generally defined as 50–150 grams of
carbohydrates per day. Very low-carbohydrate diet is <50 grams
of carbohydrates per day.
5. The isocaloric substitution of refined carbohydrates with
saturated fats does not improve cardiovascular disease risk.
The isocaloric substitution of saturated fats with unhealthful
ultra-processed carbohydrates does not improve cardiovascular
disease risk.
6. A ketogenic dietary pattern restricts carbohydrate intake and
typically discourages ultra-processed and refined foods, foods
high in glycemic index/load, and foods rich in trans fatty acids.
Ketosis may reduce hunger.
7. A Mediterranean dietary pattern encourages olive oil, vegetables,
fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, seafood, fermented
dairy products, poultry, eggs, and red wine. It discourages high
amounts of red meats, meat products, and ultra-processed
carbohydrates.
8. A "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" (DASH) dietary
pattern encourages vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or
low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, lean meats, nuts, seeds,
legumes, fiber, foods containing calcium, potassium and
magnesium. It discourages sodium >2,300 mg per day, total
fat >27% of total daily calories, cholesterol >150 mg per day for
2,100 calorie eating plan, red and ultra-processed meats, sugar-
sweetened beverages, and foods with added sugars.
9. A vegetarian dietary pattern encourages vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, legumes, seeds, nuts and discourages meats.
10. Fasting (alternative day, intermittent, or time-restricted
eating) may contribute to overall caloric restriction and weight
reduction.
