Q&A – Dietitians and Nutritionists
1. Why is strength training important from a dietitian's point of view?
Because muscles are the body's largest metabolic organ. They support:
glucose and insulin regulation,
fat burning,
appetite control,
hormonal stability.
Strength training enhances the effects of a well-planned diet.
Without strengthening muscles – many diets end with the yo-yo effect.
2. Does strength training help treat insulin resistance?
Yes – very effectively. By activating GLUT4 transporters in muscles:
increases the uptake of glucose from the blood,
reduces fasting insulin levels,
improves cell sensitivity to insulin.
Strength training works like natural metformin – without the side effects.
3. Can overweight children and adolescents do strength training?
Yes – this is the best way to ensure safe physical activity for overweight and obese children:
it does not burden the joints like running,
quickly builds muscle mass,
improves attitude and self-esteem.
It's not just exercise – it supports the entire dietary therapy.
4. Does strength training increase protein needs?
Yes – a body that is strength trained:
builds new muscle proteins,
regenerates fibers and connective tissues,
uses more amino acids.
Standard recommendations are:
children: 1.2–1.5 g protein/kg body weight,
adolescents: 1.5–2.0 g/kg body weight,
adults and elderly: 1.6–2.2 g/kg body weight
Strength training = greater importance of protein quality in the diet.
5. Does strength training help regulate appetite?
Yes – by influencing:
leptin (satiety),
ghrelin (hunger),
GLP‑1 and GIP (gut hormones),
dopamine and serotonin (mood, motivation).
After strength training:
appetite is more stable,
less compulsive eating,
it is easier to maintain the rhythm of meals.
This is a natural regulation of nutritional mechanisms.
6. Should people taking GLP-1 medications do strength training?
Yes – this is absolutely crucial. GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide) reduce body weight, but they often cause muscle loss.
Without strength training:
muscle mass decreases,
slows down the metabolism,
fatigue and weakness appear.
Strength training protects muscles during weight loss and drug therapy.
7. Can the Power Passport support the work of a dietitian?
Yes, it allows:
monitor strength and functional progress,
set nutritional priorities (e.g. muscle mass vs. fat),
motivate the patient to act,
assess the effectiveness of combining diet and activity.
It is a modern, simple tool for working with the body – not just with weight.
8. Can a dietitian collaborate with a school as part of the School Dream Gym?
Yes, maybe:
conduct nutritional education,
support the individualization of development plans,
create "diet + strength" programs,
be part of a health prevention team in a municipality or region.
This is a new field of activity for population and clinical dietetics.
9. Can strength training prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia in seniors?
Yes, and it is the best tool known:
increases appetite,
stimulates protein synthesis,
improves nutrition efficiency,
strengthens the function of the digestive tract.
This is a biological strengthening therapy – alongside supplements and a high-protein diet.
10. Can a dietitian use the Power Passport app in their office?
Yes, the app can:
record functional tests,
support nutrition planning taking into account strength progression,
motivate patients by tracking results.