Hypocaloric (weight loss) diet:  250 - 1000 kcal/day deficit • Target: decrease weight by 5% to 10% for overweight/obesity, 15% for class 3 obesity • Target: decrease BMI by 2 to 3 units Carbohydrates (preferably low-glycemic index):  45% to 65% daily energy intake and not less than 130 g/day in patients on low calorie diet Protein:  15% to 20% daily energy intake Dietary fat:  <30% daily energy intake Saturated fat:  <7% daily energy intake Cholesterol:  <200 mg/day  Fiber:  25-50 g/day Transfats:  minimize or eliminate BMI: Body Mass Index. Consistent with guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Table 5: General Nutritional Guidelines for Healthy Eating (Principal Nutrients).