Morbid obesity and high carb diet?

[firepilot17]

Why would a morbidly obese patient be put on a high carbohydrate diet? I would think the opposite. This pt was admitted for cellulitis of the right lower leg. Why a high carb diet?

Thanks...

[queenjean]

Was it a high carb diet or a high complex-carb diet? Was there a calorie limit/count ordered as well?

[firepilot17]

I'm not sure, just took note of the high carb diet ordered and stopped reading. I should mention that this is a fictional pt in one of my books and no other information is available. But why a high carb diet?

Thanks...

[Plagueis]

I wonder if in addition to being a high carb diet, the diet is low in calories, say 1,200 to 1,500. (I'm assuming this is what the author of the book meant.) I am on one of those high-carb diets, and as long as I don't eat too many calories, I don't gain weight. (I know it's different for other people, though.) Also, I have seen a couple of shows on that cable health channel about morbidly obese people, and the calorie counts of their diets were very high, such as 8,000 to 10,000. I would think that even if they consumed a high-carb diet, but was lower in calories, weight would come off. As well, high carb can be nutrient-rich, such as if the carbs consisted of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

If the patient has a compromised liver he would be unable to process the nitrogenous waste from protein. He would be on a high carb diet.

[Sarah Kay]

Total calories would ultimately count in the case of a morbidly obese pt. In any infection/injury (ie cellulitis) the pts metabolic rate would increase d/t increased work load/oxygen demand...and ultimately carbohydrates are the bodies (preferred) energy source. However, I get the feeling that there is more to this picture. Is the pt diabetic? Do they have acid/base issues? Is there a wound or skin issue involved? Is it the primary doc that ordered this diet or a specialist? Just curious~ S