New research published in Science Advances suggests that while following a ketogenic diet may lead to weight loss, it also has potential to cause metabolic problems that could lead to heart disease and other issues.
The study included a long-term experiment involving adult mice who were assigned to one of four diets for nine months or longer. The four diets were a high-fat diet meant to mimic a Western diet, a traditional ketogenic diet, a low-fat high-carbohydrate diet, and a protein-matched low-fat diet. Throughout the study, body weight and food consumption were tracked. Additionally, various metabolic health measures were taken, including blood lipids, fat buildup in the liver, blood sugar, and insulin levels. Ketogenic diets, which involve consuming very high levels of fats and minimal carbohydrates, are popular for losing weight and combating type 2 diabetes. However, the long-term effects of ketogenic diets have not been well studied. This experiment sought to determine the potential long-term health impact of ketogenic diets.
The results showed that the ketogenic diet protected the mice from weight gain, especially compared to the Western diet. However, the mice who consumed the ketogenic diet were much more likely to develop metabolic problems, including fatty liver disease, disruptions to blood sugar levels, and impaired blood sugar regulation. These metabolic problems can lead to even greater health issues if left untreated, including heart disease and diabetes.
The authors of the study noted that people who are considering a ketogenic diet should carefully consider the benefits and risks before committing to the diet, especially if they plan to stay on the diet long term. Additionally, health care professionals should be consulted before any dietary changes. While dietary changes may often seem harmless, they have potential to cause long-term health risks if they are not carefully assessed and monitored.
Sources: Science Advances, Science Daily