Dietary ketogenic has been proven to result in beneficial metabolic changes within a few days. Alongside weight loss, health-related parameters related to extra weight have been improved, including insulin resistance, blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides. There is also increasing interest in applying low-carbohydrate diets such as the ketogenic diet for Type 2 Diabetes. There are many theories about why the ketogenic diet can promote weight loss, but they haven’t been consistently proven in research studies.

• Decreased hunger pangs accompany an effect of satisfaction because of the high-fat content of the diet.
• A decrease in appetite-stimulating hormones like insulin and ghrelin when taking in a small number of carbohydrates.
• A direct effect on hunger reduction is played by ketones bodies, which are the body’s primary energy source for the diet.
• The increased calorie expenditure results from the metabolic conversion of fat and proteins into glucose.
• The promotion of fat loss is akin to lean body mass, largely due to lower insulin levels.

The following is a summary of the research results:

Potential Pitfalls

A diet that is extremely high in fat can be difficult to sustain. A severe carbohydrate-restricted diet that lasts for days or weeks may include fatigue, hunger, mood swings, irritability, low mood, constipation, headaches, and brain “fog.” Though these discomforts may ease, ensuring you’re content with the limited range of food choices and being denied tasty foods such as a crunchy apple or sweet potato can present new challenges.

Certain negative effects associated with the ketogenic diet over a long period have been reported, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones and higher levels of uric acids in the blood (a risk cause of Gout). Potential deficiencies in nutrient levels could arise if a range of foods that are part of the ketogenic diet isn’t included. It is crucial not to concentrate solely on eating foods high in fat. However, it is important to include all the allowed fish, meats, fruit, vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds to ensure sufficient intakes of B vitamins, fiber, and minerals (iron, magnesium, iron, zinc)–nutrients typically found in whole grains and other foods that are not allowed in the diet. Since all food groups are not allowed, an accredited dietitian can assist in the creation of a ketogenic diet that eliminates nutrient deficiencies.

Unanswered Questions

• How long will it take to see the lasting (one year or more) impacts, and are there safety concerns related to Ketogenic eating?
• Do the diet’s health benefits extend to those with multiple health issues and those who are older? Which diseases are the benefits of the diet far outweigh the risk?
• Since fat is the main energy source, can there be any long-term health effects from eating different kinds of fats (saturated and. unsaturated) that are included in the ketogenic diet?
• Are the ketogenic diet’s high fat and moderate protein intake appropriate for people suffering from conditions that can affect the normal process of metabolism of fats and proteins, for example, liver and kidney disease?
• Is a ketogenic diet restricting during times of rapid growth? More nutrients, like when you are pregnant, nursing, or during the adolescent/childhood years?

Bottom Line

The Research available on ketogenic diets for weight loss isn’t yet extensive. The majority of studies conducted so far have only had a limited number of people in them; they were of short duration (12 months or less) and didn’t include groups of control. A ketogenic diet has proven to have short-term benefits in certain individuals, including weight loss and improvement in blood sugar and blood pressure. But, the results after a year, compared to standard weight loss programs, are not much different.

Eliminating certain food groups and the potential for unpleasant symptoms could cause difficulty in adherence. The emphasis on foods rich in saturated fat is also in opposition to recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association. It may cause adverse consequences on blood cholesterol. However, it is feasible to alter the diet to include foods low in saturated fats, such as avocado, olive oil, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish.

A ketogenic diet could be for people who have struggled to lose weight using other methods. The precise ratio of carbohydrates, fat, and protein necessary to attain health benefits can differ among individuals based on their genetic makeup and body composition. Suppose one decides to begin a ketogenic diet. In that case, it is advised to speak with a physician and a dietitian to carefully examine any changes in the biochemistry of one’s body when starting the diet and then to develop the right meal plan customized to the person’s current medical conditions to avoid nutritional deficiencies and other health problems. Dietitians can also offer advice on reintroducing carbohydrates after the weight loss.

A modified diet of carbohydrate-based on guidelines of the Healthful Eating Plate concept could provide good health benefits and weight loss for all people.