The high fat nature of a keto diet might help stabilize blood sugar and support weight loss, but there are also some significant risks to be aware of.
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Originally developed to treat epilepsy in kids, the keto diet has gained massive popularity as an eating plan for weight loss. Social media influencers and coaches alike tout the endless benefits of the high fat nutrition strategy. But do their claims hold up?
While proponents of the diet will give you a laundry list of perks, like mental clarity and reduced inflammation, the reality of keto’s perks is a bit more complicated. And it’s important to be aware of the risks and disadvantages, too.
So, what are the real pros and cons of a keto diet, and should you give it a try? Read on to learn more.
You probably know keto as a high fat, low carb fat diet. But it’s very high fat — and likely much higher than you think.
There are two types of keto:
Standard | Therapeutic |
---|---|
75% fat | 90% fat |
20% protein | 5% protein |
5% carbs | 5% carbs |
Keep in mind that keto isn’t the same thing as a standard low carb diet. Most low carb diets aim to keep carbs under 150 grams (g) per day, which is equivalent to about
The metabolic state ketosis is where the diet’s purported health benefits come from. Once your body processes fats in the liver, it
Helps with faster weight loss
While this sounds promising, there’s an immediate caveat — basically all the research on keto for weight loss has been done on people with obesity. So if you’re looking to use this diet to lose the last 5 pounds, you may not see the same results.
But for people with a significant amount of excess body weight, a keto diet can be an effective choice for weight loss.
There are a few reasons for this. First, cutting carbs means you’ll drop water weight, which you’ll see quickly on the scale. After the first couple of weeks, this rapid “weight loss” will slow to a more normal pace.
While this initial drop in pounds isn’t fat loss, the fast results can be a motivating factor for many people, helping them continue with the diet.
Eating low carb foods might also make it easier for your body to burn fat. According to
Can help with blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes
There’s been a lot of research on keto for type 2 diabetes, and for good reason. Low carb diets have been a mainstay of diabetes management, and they were recommended well before injectable insulin became available.
So while low carb diets for diabetes are nothing new, keto provides a novel approach by upping the fat content. It’s well established in the
One
However, the diet isn’t without its drawbacks. A
May ‘starve’ cancer cells of energy
While the research on keto as part of cancer treatment is new — and highly controversial — some small studies have shown possible benefits.
The idea behind this is related to something called the
Theoretically, a keto diet that cuts down on carbs and forces the body to rely on fat for fuel might “starve” cancer cells. This could potentially weaken cancer cells, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation, while protecting normal cells.
One
May reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
Like many of the potential benefits of keto, the research on this is also conflicting, but some experts claim that keto could be good for heart health.
While a
It’s thought that the
Therefore, it’s perhaps not so much the keto diet itself that directly improves blood markers for cardiovascular health, but rather the types of fats you’re eating on a daily basis.
Can cause nutrient deficiencies
Because the keto diet limits carbs to just 50 g, it doesn’t leave room to include many fruits or vegetables. These are your body’s primary source of essential vitamins and minerals, all of which play a role in keeping your cells healthy.
Most notably, keto diets are
If you’re trying keto, you can mitigate some of these deficiencies by eating plenty of low carb vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and zucchini. It’s also a good idea to work with a registered dietitian if you’re planning on following the diet for an extended period of time.
May cause digestive issues
Staying low carb means you won’t be eating many beans, lentils, or whole grains, which are all good sources of fiber. This can lead to constipation and slow digestion.
Consuming so much fat can also be tough on your digestive system. Many people who try keto experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues like diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and stomach upset.
Could be bad for heart health
While we discussed the possible benefits on heart health earlier, we also touched on the risks. If you’re eating a keto diet that’s high in sources of saturated fat — like meat, cheese, and butter — you’re at risk of harming your heart health.
Saturated fat is known to increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can clog your arteries. This is associated with heart and cardiovascular disease.
Can be hard to stick to
Sticking to a keto diet can be tricky, and it’s not easy to do long term. There’s also no long-term data on its safety, so it’s not something you’d want to do without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Following a keto diet requires a lot of meal planning and food preparation, and this can be incredibly challenging for people with busy jobs and families. It’s also hard to find keto-friendly options at restaurants and social gatherings, so some people find it negatively affects their social life.
If you find that a lower carb style of eating feels good for your body, trying a more relaxed approach — like a low carb Mediterranean style diet — might be a simpler, more sustainable choice.
While proponents of the keto diet may shout about its endless benefits, there are some important risks to be aware of. For instance, eating a high fat diet can negatively affect your heart health and cause GI issues. There’s also no long-term data on the safety of keto.
However, for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the benefits of keto might outweigh the risks.
If you want to try keto, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or a dietitian, especially if you have any health conditions. They can advise you on how to do the diet as safely and sustainably as possible.