Question

A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to a client who reports wanting to lose weight. the nurse should identify that which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

a) I will skip meals to lose weight faster.
b) I will focus on a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
c) I will eliminate all carbohydrates from my diet.
d) I will only consume liquids for the next month.

Answer 1

The appropriate statement indicating the client understands nutritional teaching for weight loss is focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise. This approach aligns with the dietary guidelines that encourage a balance between food intake and physical activity for sustainable weight management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Nutritional Teaching for Weight Loss

In response to the question, the nurse should identify that the following client statement indicates an understanding of the teaching for weight loss: b) I will focus on a balanced diet and exercise regularly. This reflects key weight management strategies such as monitoring food portions and maintaining a balance between caloric intake and physical activity. Following this approach, which includes consuming a balanced diet with vegetables, lean meats, and fruits, along with regular exercise, helps to ensure that more calories are burned than consumed. On the other hand, skipping meals, eliminating all carbohydrates, and only consuming liquids are practices that can lead to nutritional imbalances and are not sustainable long-term solutions for weight loss.

When advising someone on weight loss, it is essential to avoid fad diets and instead encourage patterns that involve balanced eating and increased physical activity. Such practices are supported by evidence-based guidelines, like those issued by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and are important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.