The client who has self-initiated a low-carbohydrate diet asks the nurse, "Why do carbohydrates cause obesity?" Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

1. "Carbohydrates cause a release of insulin from the pancreas, which coverts carbohydrates to fat."
2. "Carbohydrates reduce the number of fat cells in certain body areas, such as hips and abdomen."
3. "Carbohydrates trigger a release of fat and protein from the liver and cause weight gain."
4. "Carbohydrates alone do not cause obesity."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Insulin does not convert carbohydrates to fat.
Rationale 2: There is no substance that reduces the number of fat cells in the hips or abdomen.
Rationale 3: Carbohydrates in the diet do not trigger a release of fat and protein from the liver and cause weight gain.
Rationale 4: Complex carbohydrates are necessary for energy production.
Global Rationale: Complex carbohydrates are necessary for energy production and alone do not cause obesity. Insulin does not convert carbohydrates to fat. There is no substance that reduces the number of fat cells in the hips or abdomen. Carbohydrates in the diet do not trigger a release of fat and protein from the liver and cause weight gain.