Chapter4
Diagnostics
After having the anamnesis completed, a nutritional therapist also needs anthropometric measurements which means assessing the size, shape and composition of the human body. These measurements include BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, skin-fold test and bioelectrical impedance. The measurement can be done using specialized equipment such as InBody or Tanita.
Measuring the body composition, a nutritional therapist evaluates the client while standing. The therapist uses skinfold callipers to measure the fat of the client.
Having all the information needed, a nutritional therapist can set the diagnose and nutritional care.
A nutritional therapist can also cooperate with the doctors, who usually tell the therapist about the client´s problem and the diet. There is a complex system of diets in hospitals which takes into account the needs of the client. The diets can be divided into two groups:
- Basic diets – this group includes diets such as diabetic, reductive, saving, fat-limited, and low-protein.
- Special diets – this group includes diets such as gluten-free, protein-restricted – unsalted and so on.
If a therapist has his or her own private ambulance, all the care can be provided there.
When a nutritional therapist assesses a client, it is desirable for the client to write the memorable menu from which the nutritional therapist can see all the “mistakes made” by the client and which can be analysed. It is advisable for the client to write down all the food and liquid intake for at least 14 days. It is appropriate if the client remembers not only eating habits but also the social situation and conditions those days.
Video 2. Measuring the fat with using the clipers
Vocabulary
English word | Český výraz | English word | Český výraz |
To set the diet | Nastavit dietu | Take into account | Brát v úvahu |
Gluten free | Bezlepkový | Saving diet | Šetřící dieta |
Fat-limited diet | Dieta s omezením tuku | Low-protein diet | Dieta s nízkým obsahem bílkovin |
Protein-restricted – unsalted diet | Dieta bez bílkovin - nesolená | Desirable | Žádoucí |
Memorable menu | Vzpomínkový jídelníček | Appropriate | Vhodné |
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Fig. 2. Measurements of a client
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Fig. 3. BMI measurement
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Fig. 4. Measurement of internal fat of a client
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Fig. 5. Comparison of results
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Fig. 6. Basal metabolic age in comparison to metabolic age
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Fig. 7. Memorable menu
Put the diet into the right column