Mount Carmel Health Partners Clinical Guidelines Adult Obesity | Page 5

General Nutrition Advice for Patients
Total calories of weight loss program should be broken down by the percentage of macronutrient intake as recommended by
United States dietary guidelines:
• 45 to 65 percent from carbohydrates
• 10 to 35 percent from protein
 20 to 35 percent from fat
 < 10 percent from added sugars
 < 10 percent from saturated fats
 < 2,300 mg of sodium per day
Patients should consume 5 or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily.
Trans fats and saturated fat consumption should be kept at a minimum. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are better
choices.
Patients should be encouraged to eat whole grains rather than refined grains as they are good source of fiber and have a lower
glycemic index.
The consumption of soft drinks and other sweetened beverages should be discouraged.
Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation (up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men).
*If the patient struggles with dietary modification, consider dietitian referral.
Types of Weight Loss Diets
Low-Calorie: The goal of a low-calorie diet is to create an energy deficit by providing fewer calories than an individual's body needs
so that the body has to draw upon the energy stored in body fat. Foods are prepared using low-calorie cooking methods.
Low-Fat: This type of diet is also low-calorie with the added benefit of controlling cholesterol. A low-fat diet should contain
more foods from plant sources, lean meats, and non-fat/low-fat dairy products.
Low-Carbohydrate: This diet strategy is more effective for short-term weight loss but is probably not realistic for long-term weight
loss goals.
Low-Glycemic Index: This type of diet promotes eating good carbohydrates — generally whole grains, fruits, non-starchy
vegetables, and beans rather than refined carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates do not affect blood sugars as much as the refined
carbohydrates, making individuals feel full longer which aids in weight loss.
Physical Activity/Exercise
All adults should avoid inactivity.
All adults should do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous intensity aerobic
physical activity.
Aerobic activity should be performed in episode of at least 10 minutes and spread throughout the week.
All adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days per week.
Adult Obesity - 5