Dietetic Technician Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Preparation

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.