Final answer:
A therapeutic diet may be necessary for individuals with health issues affecting their ability to eat or those following specific dietary patterns. However, caution should be exercised with fad diets that lack scientific support. Therapeutic diets are prescribed to address specific health needs and improve well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
A therapeutic diet may be necessary for several reasons. People with health issues that affect their ability to eat, such as individuals with certain chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, may need a therapeutic diet to manage their condition. Additionally, individuals who follow specific dietary patterns, such as vegetarians, vegans, and others avoiding certain food groups, may require a therapeutic diet to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.
Some therapeutic diets, like those for diabetes, are well-established and supported by scientific evidence. However, it's important to be cautious of fad diets that may claim to have therapeutic benefits but lack scientific support or may be too extreme to be sustainable or healthy in the long run.
Overall, a therapeutic diet is prescribed to address specific health needs and help individuals maintain or improve their well-being.