The use of calorie-controlled diets for weight management follow the principals of the General Diet, except that the portion sizes and fat content are decreased based on the patient’s nutritional needs and weight management goals.
Weight management includes medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and behavior therapy. People who are most successful at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight do so through continued attention to consuming only enough calories from foods and beverages to meet their needs and by being physically active.
Medications may be used in treatment for individuals who meet criteria established by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Medical nutrition therapy for weight loss should last at least 6 months or until the individual reaches his or her goal weight at which time a weight maintenance plan should be implemented. Positive outcomes include:
• Promoting weight loss by reducing calorie needs by 500 to 1,000 calories/day.
• Promoting weight maintenance by providing adequate calories based on expenditure once a weight loss goal is met.
• Achieving optimal serum lipid levels (cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).
• Preventing long-term complications such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
• Improving overall health through optimal nutrition and long-term behavior changes.
Adequacy
Very low calorie diets do not meet energy requirements or nutrient requirements and should only be used under medical supervision.
Calorie levels lessthan 1,200 for most women and 1,500 for most men should be discouraged. These levels lack adequate intake to meet Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and a multivitamin or mineral supplement should be considered.
The diet should be based on the individual’s nutritional needs and anticipated energy output.
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Weight Management For Diets
