Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet: A Review Article

Jennifer T Batch; Sanjay P Lamsal; Michelle Adkins; Senan Sultan; Monica N Ramirez

doi:10.7759/cureus.9639

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet: A Review Article

Cureus. 2020 Aug 10;12(8):e9639. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9639.

Authors

Jennifer T Batch¹, Sanjay P Lamsal², Michelle Adkins³, Senan Sultan⁴, Monica N Ramirez⁵

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park, USA.
² Radiology, University of Florida Health Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA.
³ Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
⁴ Endocrinology, Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park, USA.
⁵ Pharmacy, University of Florida Health Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA.

Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) has gained immense popularity during the last decade, primarily because of its successful short-term effect on weight loss. In the United States, KD is utilized in a variety of patient populations for weight management, despite limited evidence regarding its efficacy and risks. This literature review provides an evaluation of data on the benefits and risks associated with the chronic use of KD, including its metabolic, endocrinological, and cardiovascular effects.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; insulin resistance; ketogenic diet; low carbohydrate diet; low fat diet; obesity; polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This research was supported (in whole or in part) by HCA and/or an HCA-affiliated entity. The views expressed in this publication represent those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of HCA or any of its affiliated entities.