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One study found that 66 obese individuals with high cholesterol were able to lower their weight and cholesterol levels with a ketogenic diet over 56 weeks. [4] A meta analysis (which is an analysis of several published papers) found that “Individuals assigned to a ketogenic diet achieve a
greater weight loss than those assigned to a low fat diet in the
long term; hence, a ketogenic diet may be an alternative tool against obesity. ” [5] All of the studies analyzed were greater than 12 months in duration. Lastly, even reducing your carbohydrate intake to less than 20% has shown to have sustainable weight loss even 44 months later! [6]For individuals starting a keto diet in the 1990’s, adherence to the diet was likely a lot harder as options were a bit more limited. Today, you can “ketofy” nearly anything from pizza to desserts so it’s much more sustainable and the research shows the weight loss is maintained. Nutritional Completeness: 1. 6/5 Stars Rated as “extremely incomplete” in the nutrition category, panelists had concerns about the saturated fat content. One expert explained that ‘any diet that recommends
snacking on bacon can’t be taken seriously as a health-promoting way to eat’ and
another added that the keto diet is ‘nutritionally unbalanced and likely difficult for most people to stick with long-term, which means that any weight loss will likely be regained. ’Counter: The experts continue to parrot the same talking point of too much saturated fat. Like with any diet, the way in which one chooses to approach the diet will cause significant variation of outcomes. For example, one can say she is vegan by living off soda, French fries, and egg-free baked goods.
[8]Safety: 2/5 StarsThe keto diet was rated poorly in the category of safety, due to the high fat content. One panelist stated the diet could be dangerous for some while another cautioned those with heart disease, kidney disease, and severe diabetes against adoption of the diet. Counter: It’s interesting to note that a group of experts who rightfully admitted that a ketogenic diet can help with weight loss also ranked it low on safety. Further, a recent meta analysis examined 12 studies utilizing a ketogenic diet and saw no adverse effects. [9] Well, if sustained weight loss for two years following the study is an adverse effect, then I think it’s one that most people would be willing to risk it for. Lastly, it’s even been published and shown to be safe in children with intractable epilepsy. [10]Moreover, the primary criticism (from the experts) regarding safety lies in the high-fat content. We must keep in mind that the ketogenic diet relies heavily on healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Those fats have been shown, time and again, to improve cholesterol and decrease mortality risk from cardiovascular disease. [11]The majority of fat sources found in the ketogenic diet stem from salmon, other fatty fish, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, and avocado. Heart Healthy: 1.