Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes therapeutic diets?

1. Diets high in saturated fats

2. Diets meant to treat specific medical conditions or health needs

3. Diets used solely for weight loss

4. Diets that exclude all carbohydrates

The correct answer is: Diets meant to treat specific medical conditions or health needs

Therapeutic diets are specifically designed to address and manage certain medical conditions or health needs. This means that the primary goal of these diets is to provide nutritional support tailored to the individual’s health situation. For instance, someone with diabetes may be prescribed a therapeutic diet that focuses on controlling blood sugar levels, while a patient with kidney disease may need a diet that limits protein and potassium intake. The key aspect of therapeutic diets is their focus on health outcomes rather than general health or weight management, distinguishing them from other types of diets. They are clinically indicated for specific health conditions and require careful planning and often professional guidance to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for the individual’s health status. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of therapeutic diets. Diets high in saturated fats do not necessarily correlate with the treatment of medical conditions and can actually worsen some health issues. Diets solely for weight loss focus on calorie reduction rather than addressing specific health needs. Finally, diets that exclude all carbohydrates may be adopted for various reasons but are not inherently therapeutic unless they are prescribed to manage a particular health issue.