A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK has shed light on the effects of a ketogenic diet on weight loss and overall health. The study, which involved 53 participants with an average age of 34, compared the effects of a ketogenic diet, a low-sugar diet, and a moderate-sugar diet on fat loss, cholesterol levels, and gut microbiome.
After one month, participants on the ketogenic diet had lost an average of 1.6 kilograms of fat, while those on the low-sugar diet lost 1 kg of fat, and those on the moderate diet saw no fat loss. The researchers found that the fat loss in the ketogenic group was primarily due to consuming fewer calories, rather than increased exercise.
However, the study also found that participants on the ketogenic diet had higher levels of LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, which can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart-related events. In contrast, those on the low-sugar diet had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and no change in apolipoprotein B levels.
Additionally, participants on the ketogenic diet had reduced levels of a type of gut bacteria called Bifidobacterium, which plays a role in producing B vitamins and strengthening the immune system. This could be attributed to the lower fiber intake in the ketogenic diet.
Natasha Schoeler, a researcher at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, highlighted the need for long-term research to determine if the weight-loss benefits of a ketogenic diet outweigh potential concerns about cholesterol and gut health, especially among those who are obese or overweight. She also emphasized the importance of adherence to any diet for successful weight loss.
Ultimately, the study raises questions about the impact of a ketogenic diet on overall health and highlights the need for further research in this area.