Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and is a strong risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. 1 Both ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting has been in the spotlight for the past few years, which are often promoted as boosting health, weight loss and healthy ageing. The table below gives a piece of information on both of these diets.
*SKD is one of the ketogenic diets which has been studied extensively. The information in this article mostly applies to the SKD.
** During ketogenesis, the body utilises ketone instead of glucose to keep up with the needs of body and energy. Nutritional ketosis generally will not induce alterations in blood pH, which is different from ketoacidosis, an emergency condition.
Bottom Line
Both could be an interesting alternative to treat certain conditions and may accelerate weight loss. However, it is hard to follow, and it can be heavy on the fatty, processed and salty foods that are notoriously unhealthy. The current evidence is not robust enough to suggest that healthcare professionals should be recommending patients as standard practice. Perhaps, a balanced, unprocessed diet, rich in very colourful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lots of water seems to have the best evidence for a long, healthier, vibrant life.
References
- Paoli A. Ketogenic Diet for Obesity: Friend or Foe?. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014;11(2):2092-2107.
- Kosinski C, Jornayvaz F. Effects of Ketogenic Diets on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Evidence from Animal and Human Studies. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):517.
- Paoli A, Bianco A, Grimaldi K, Lodi A, Bosco G. Long Term Successful Weight Loss with a Combination Biphasic Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Diet Maintenance Protocol. Nutrients. 2013;5(12):5205-5217.
- Ganesan K, Habboush Y, Sultan S. Intermittent Fasting: The Choice for a Healthier Lifestyle. Cureus. 2018.
- Anton S, Moehl K, Donahoo W, Marosi K, Lee S, Mainous A et al. Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying the Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity. 2017;26(2):254-268.
- Stockman M, Thomas D, Burke J, Apovian C. Intermittent Fasting: Is the Wait Worth the Weight? Current Obesity Reports. 2018;7(2):172-185.
