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Ketogenic Diet Linked to Long-Term Metabolic Health Risks

A recent study warns of potential long-term harm from the popular ketogenic diet. Could this high-fat, low-carb plan be doing more harm than good?

In this image we can see there is a label with some text on the bottle which is on the table.
In this image we can see there is a label with some text on the bottle which is on the table.

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Long-Term Metabolic Health Risks

A recent study suggests that following a keto diet long-term can lead to multiple negative changes in metabolic parameters. This high-fat, low-carb diet, popular for weight loss, may have serious health implications.

Research on mice found that after a few months on a keto diet, glucose intolerance and disrupted insulin secretion occurred. The mice also developed fatty liver and high cholesterol levels. The German Society for Nutrition advises that healthy adults should get at least half of their energy from carbohydrates, contrasting with the keto diet's 90% fat intake.

While the diet can help reduce seizures in epilepsy patients in the short term, its long-term effects on metabolic health are not well-researched. Studies in mice align with reports of increased cardiovascular disease and high blood lipid levels in patients following long-term keto diets. Long-term use of this diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and elevated LDL cholesterol, making it questionable as a permanent health intervention.

The keto diet, while potentially beneficial for short-term weight loss and epilepsy management, has been shown to have negative long-term effects on metabolism and overall health. Nutrition experts generally advise against permanent strict keto diets due to these risks, suggesting limited-duration cycles with medical supervision instead.

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