The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that can induce weight loss and improved glycemic control, but presents a risk of inducing hyperlipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, and the onset of fatty liver disease. It has been found to be effective in reducing hepatic fat content and hepatic insulin resistance. People on ketogenic diets have been shown to lose and maintain more weight than those on low-fat diets. However, the ketogenic diet is complicated to follow and difficult for most people to adhere to due to its very limited variety of foods.
It also restricts vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. If a person on a ketogenic diet gains weight by any means, fat can be stored preferentially in the liver rather than in fat cells elsewhere. More research shows that the ketogenic diet can not only help you lose weight, but it can also help prevent fatty liver disease and reverse fatty liver damage. Additional benefits of the ketogenic diet include a reduction in triglycerides, belly fat, and the risk of metabolic syndrome.
However, there does not appear to be any long-term controlled studies demonstrating that ketogenic diets are associated with permanent weight loss. If you're looking to lose a few pounds, you may be tempted to try new popular approaches such as the ketogenic diet or fasting. However, it is important to remember that this type of diet should be done under medical supervision and with caution. Talk to your doctor before making the change so they can help you make an informed decision about whether or not this type of diet is right for you.
