HLTH 640
SAFE DIETS FOR A HEALTHY METABOLISM TEMPLATE
Demographic information of your chosen
subject. Demographics include age, height,
weight, and any other variables that you
would like to add. Do not provide names or
identify the subjects.
29-year old, male.
5’9”
220lbs
What diet has your subject gone on before
AND why did they choose that diet? Have
them explain why they chose that diet.
He has tried the keto diet. He says social
media and seeing other people’s “success”
stories led him to try it.
Have them describe the diet to you. He must consume no more than 25g of carbs
per day, while overconsuming fats and
protein.
How did things go on that weight loss diet?
Did they have success? How do they define
success?
He says he has had success in the past. He
defines success as losing weight and lowering
his body fat percentage.
Have they gone on any other weight loss
diets? If so, what were they? What were their
experience(s) like?
He states he has never tried any other diets,
just keto.
What resources does the subject use to get
their nutrition information?
He uses social media and influencers to get
nutritional advice.
Did the diet recommend regular exercise?
Have them describe. If yes, do they still
exercise?
Yes, and yes he still exercises just not as
frequently.
Did the subject take vitamins or supplements?
Why or why not? If he/she took supplements,
how much did he/she spend a month?
He took zero carb protein powder, spending
around $50 a month.
If the subject were to learn more about
nutrition and weight loss, what specifically
He wants to know what nutrition plans could
he do to lose weight and keep it off. Says he
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would he/she like to learn about or what
would be helpful to him/her?
(You are not to address or provide answers to
their concerns at this time, simply identify
their questions and areas of interest.)
loses the weight while on keto, but once he
reaches his goal, it is not long before he puts
back on all the weight.
What concerns or questions does the subject
have about diet or health in general, if any?
(You are not to address or provide answers to
their concerns at this time, simply list their
concerns.)
His biggest concern is his anger issues while
on keto and lack of mental function.
Feel free to ask any other questions you feel
will help you better understand your subject
on this matter.
n/a
Perceived Barriers
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The subject is contemplating participating in the ketogenic diet for his third time. He
lacks substantial knowledge of the diet, utilizing Instagram and Tiktok as his only source of
information. The ketogenic diet recommends being under doctor’s supervision (Kebles &
Hemric, 2022).1 Serious side effects could arise. The diet was developed for children suffering
from seizures due to epilepsy and for people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. His background is
a major barrier as well. He is a soldier in the Army National Guard, so maintain muscle mass is
essential for his success as a soldier. The ketogenic diet requires 75% to 90% of daily calories
come from fats and less than 5% from carbohydrates (Kebles & Hemric, 2022).1 This leaves little
to no room for protein, and protein is vital for muscle maintenance and recovery. Dr. Koerich
(2022)2 further verified the effects of the ketogenic diet on athletes, and found that is was not
suitable for improving one’s strength or high-intensity performances. As a soldier, you spend a
lot of time in the field, so the environment isn’t suited for the ketogenic diet. MREs are often the
only food available while training. They are high in carbs, so maintaining a ketogenic state will
be impossible. It would take him a whole week to return to a ketogenic state.
Healthy Approach?
The ketogenic diet is not a healthy approach for the subject. The body needs
carbohydrates to properly function. For proper cognitive functions, 130 grams of carbohydrates
are needed daily. Soldiers are aerobic athletes, and the body prefers carbohydrates as the primary
source of fuel. The American Heart Association advises against the ketogenic diet because of the
stress it could place on the heart, kidneys, and bones. The added fat without ample fiber leads to
potential cardiovascular disease.
The lack of carbohydrates and proteins could lead the subject to be undernourished.
Essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids will be lacking. Ample essential amino acids
will no be getting consumed, and the nonessential amino acids will get stripped from the muscles
to get used as fuel. Also, the lack of carbohydrates prevents the body from consuming the fiber it
needs. This could lead to constipation, poor cardiovascular health, increased risk of developing
cancer. In order for the subject to receive proper vitamins and minerals, multivitamins and
supplements would need to be consumed.
Public Health Nutritionist Role
A public health nutritionist would educate the subject on healthy ways to lose weight and
maintain a healthy lifestyle. They would recommend consuming 45%-65% for carbohydrates,
10%-35% for protein, and 20%-35% for fat. The subjects BMR and TDEE are vital when
determining the number of calories needed daily. Based on the clients daily caloric intake and
fitness goals, a caloric deficit of 500 calories is necessary to lose weight in a healthy manner
while consuming ample macronutrients and micronutrients. The public health nutritionist’s role
is to help people implement healthy nutrition habits into their daily lives to meet their goals.
Resources
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Kebles, C. A., & Hemric, M. (2022). Relationship with Food. In Omega-Z Diet for Weight Loss
(pp. 232-233).
Koerich, A. C. C., Borszcz, F. K., Thives Mello, A., de Lucas, R. D., & Hansen, F. (2022).
Effects of the ketogenic diet on performance and body composition in athletes and trained adults:
a systematic review and Bayesian multivariate multilevel meta-analysis and meta-
regression.KCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-26.
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