How does keto work for weight loss …well, let’s see. To start off, there are three different types of ketosis: fasting, cyclic (or aperiodic) and pyruvate. There’s also plenty of information on how ketosis affects various parts of our body and what does it have to do with weight loss. I’m talking about the metabolic effects of ketosis and not just simple 5:1 intermittent fasting.
What is Keto Diet
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The Keto Diet, also known as the Ketogenic Diet, is a high-fat, moderate protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet. The goal of the diet is to enter a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This process involves the production of ketones, which are used as an alternative energy source in the absence of glucose from carbohydrates.
The diet was originally developed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy in children, and has since been used for various health conditions including diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. In recent years, the diet has gained popularity as a weight loss tool, with many people reporting significant weight loss and improved body composition while following the diet.
Typically, the Keto Diet involves consuming 75% of calories from fat, 20% from protein, and 5% or less from carbohydrates. This equates to consuming around 20-50 grams of carbohydrates per day, which is much lower than the average Western diet that typically contains 200-300 grams of carbohydrates per day.
There are different variations of the Keto Diet, including the Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD), the Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD), and the Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD). Each variation has different macronutrient ratios and is tailored to individual needs and goals.
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How Does Keto Diet Promote Weight Loss?
The Keto Diet promotes weight loss through several mechanisms, including:
- Ketosis: When the body is in a state of ketosis, it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This means that the body is more efficient at using stored fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss.
- Reduction in carbohydrate intake: By limiting carbohydrate intake, the body produces less insulin, a hormone that promotes fat storage. This can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
- Increase in protein and fat intake: The Keto Diet emphasizes consuming high amounts of protein and healthy fats, which can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger. This can lead to a reduction in calorie intake, which can result in weight loss.
- Reduction in insulin levels: As mentioned, the Keto Diet can lead to a reduction in insulin levels, which can help prevent insulin resistance and promote weight loss.
- Increased metabolism: Studies have shown that the Keto Diet can increase metabolic rate, which means the body burns more calories at rest. This can help promote weight loss over time.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Keto for Weight Loss
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There is growing scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the Keto Diet for weight loss. Here are some examples:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that individuals following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (like the Keto Diet) lost more weight and experienced greater improvements in body composition compared to those on a low-fat diet.
- A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism found that overweight individuals who followed a Keto Diet for 12 weeks lost more body weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI) compared to those on a low-fat diet.
- Another study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals following a low-carbohydrate diet (like the Keto Diet) experienced greater weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors compared to those on a low-fat diet.
- A 2017 review of 23 randomized controlled trials found that low-carbohydrate diets, including the Keto Diet, were effective for weight loss and had beneficial effects on blood sugar, blood pressure, and other health markers.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Keto Diet
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As with any diet, there are potential benefits and risks associated with the Keto Diet. Here are some of the most commonly cited:
Benefits:
- Weight loss: The Keto Diet can be effective for weight loss due to the reduction in carbohydrate intake and the promotion of fat burning through ketosis.
- Improved blood sugar control: By reducing carbohydrate intake, the Keto Diet can help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.
- Reduced inflammation: The Keto Diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in some studies, which may have benefits for overall health.
- Increased energy: Many people report increased energy and improved mental clarity while following the Keto Diet.
- Potential therapeutic benefits: The Keto Diet was originally developed as a therapeutic diet for epilepsy and has been used for other neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Risks:
- Nutrient deficiencies: The Keto Diet can be low in certain nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can lead to deficiencies if not carefully planned.
- Keto flu: Some people may experience flu-like symptoms when starting the Keto Diet, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea, which can be uncomfortable.
- Risk of kidney stones: The Keto Diet can increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals due to the higher intake of animal protein.
- Risk of heart disease: The high intake of saturated fat on the Keto Diet may increase the risk of heart disease in some individuals.
- Difficulty with adherence: The Keto Diet can be challenging to follow for some individuals, and adherence can be difficult over the long term.
Tips for a Successful Keto Weight Loss Journey
If you’re considering trying the Keto Diet for weight loss, here are some tips for a successful journey:
- Consult with a health professional: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Plan meals and snacks in advance: Planning ahead can help ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients and staying within your macronutrient targets. Meal prepping and packing snacks can also help you stay on track while on-the-go.
- Track progress and adjust accordingly: Keeping track of your weight, body measurements, and food intake can help you monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Stay hydrated: The Keto Diet can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Incorporate physical activity: Regular exercise can help support weight loss and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Be patient: Weight loss on the Keto Diet can take time and may vary from person to person. It’s important to be patient and stay consistent with your diet and lifestyle habits.
- Seek support: Finding a supportive community or working with a registered dietitian can help provide accountability and support on your Keto weight loss journey.
If your goal is to get into shape and slim down, then a ketogenic diet is the perfect tool for that. A keto diet is basically a very low-carb diet that encourages you to eat more fat and protein. It sounds like a bit of an odd way of eating, and it is, but this does help keep your body from getting used to burning carbohydrates as fuel and can help increase the number of fatty acids (compounds which serve as their own source of energy) you burn as a result.