OSP News

Ketogenic Diet For Weight Loss: Is It Safe?

Posted: 04/10/2018

The ketogenic diet has historically been used in children with epilepsy to help control seizure activity. Recently, it has created a lot of buzz for use in weight loss. This diet promotes ketosis in the body, the process of converting fat into ketones for use by the brain when glucose is deficient. The ketogenic diet strictly limits carbohydrate intake to 20 g - 30 g per day and 70-80% of calorie intake comes from fat. Protein intake is moderate. The research on the long-term effects of following the ketogenic diet is lacking. The effect on renal function is a concern, as following this diet creates a high level of nitrogen excretion, which can cause an increase in glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration. Additionally, some followers of this diet are consuming high levels of saturated fat sources, such as bacon and mayonnaise, which is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. The ketogenic diet is a restrictive way of eating that limits fruits, vegetables, and fiber-filled foods, all of which provide health benefits. Since this diet is highly restrictive, the likelihood of a patient being able to successfully maintain this style of eating and weight loss is questionable. Until more substantial research is conducted on the long-term effects of following the ketogenic diet, this diet should not be recommended to patients for weight loss.

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