Nutritional Therapy for Obesity

The modern food supply, with e.g. high energy density, excessive portion sizes, and constant availability of “fast food” and “convenience” products, as well as changes in eating habits, such as snacking instead of regular meals, have significantly contributed to the widespread over-caloric diet. The goal of nutritional therapy is therefore to reduce energy intake in the long term while simultaneously providing all necessary nutrients. The classic concept is a fat-reduced, moderately energy-reduced diet with an energy deficit of 500 to 600 kcal/day and includes a high proportion of minimally processed plant-based foods. For weight loss, the energy balance is crucial, while the composition of macronutrients is secondary. In special cases, very low-calorie formula diets can also be used for a limited time. It is always important to have individual, problem-related nutritional therapy and a permanent change in diet.