Client Assessment and Onboarding Flashcards

Which of the following is the MOST important item to collect before setting a client's initial macro targets?

Answer: Accurate current body weight and height for BMR calculation

Accurate current body weight and height are fundamental inputs for BMR calculation, which forms the basis of all macro and caloric targets.

A macro coach asks a new client about their sleep patterns during onboarding. Which nutritional factor is most directly affected by chronic sleep deprivation?

Answer: Hunger hormones — elevated ghrelin and reduced leptin increase appetite and cravings

Chronic sleep deprivation elevates ghrelin (hunger hormone) and reduces leptin (satiety hormone), significantly increasing appetite, cravings for high-calorie foods, and making adherence to macro targets much harder.

When setting activity level for TDEE calculation during onboarding, a client reports going to the gym 5 days per week. Before assigning the 'very active' multiplier (1.725), the coach should also assess:

Answer: Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) — how much the client moves outside formal workouts

NEAT (daily steps, standing, fidgeting, occupational movement) can vary by 1,500–2,000 kcal/day between individuals. A client who goes to the gym but sits all day has a much lower TDEE than one who is also active outside the gym.

A client's goal is muscle gain. During onboarding, which piece of training history information is MOST critical for the coach to collect?

Answer: Training experience level (beginner/intermediate/advanced) to set appropriate caloric surplus and muscle gain rate expectations

Training experience level determines realistic muscle gain rates. Beginners can gain more muscle on a smaller surplus; advanced lifters need more precise programming and nutrition because their ceiling is lower.

Which of the following should be included in a client onboarding intake form to help identify scope of practice boundaries?

Answer: Medical history, current medications, physician clearance status, and any diagnosed conditions

Medical history and medications are essential to identify conditions requiring physician referral and ensure the coach operates within their scope of practice as a nutrition coach rather than a medical professional.

A new client reports their primary goal is 'to feel healthier,' not to lose weight or gain muscle. How should the macro coach approach goal-setting in this case?

Answer: Work with the client to define specific, measurable secondary goals (energy levels, sleep quality, performance) and design macros that support overall health

Macro coaching can support health and wellness goals even without specific body composition targets. The coach works collaboratively to define meaningful, measurable outcomes aligned with the client's values.