Dietetic Technician Practice Test

What is the next recommended step for an individual who does not want to begin medication to lower blood cholesterol but has not succeeded with the TLC diet?

1. Consume less than 20% of total calories from fat, with less than 10% coming from saturated sources

2. Consume less than 15% of total calories from fat, with less than 8% coming from saturated sources

3. Consume less than 10% of total calories from fat, with less than 5% coming from saturated sources

4. Consume less than 10% of total calories from fat, with less than 3% coming from saturated sources

The correct answer is: Consume less than 10% of total calories from fat, with less than 3% coming from saturated sources

The next recommended step for an individual who has not succeeded with the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is to significantly reduce fat intake, particularly saturated fat. Choosing to consume less than 10% of total calories from fat, with less than 3% coming from saturated sources aligns with the evidence-based guidelines aimed at aggressively managing cholesterol levels through dietary changes. This approach emphasizes a very low-fat diet, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. A diet with extremely low saturated fat content can be particularly effective, as saturated fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol levels in sensitive individuals. The other choices propose various levels of fat intake and saturated fat limitation that do not align as closely with the most aggressive dietary recommendations for those who have not responded to standard interventions. Thus, while they may still contribute to improving cholesterol levels, they do not match the intensity recommended for someone who is seeking to avoid medication after failing with TLC strategies.