Experts Warn of Health Risks in Popular Ketogenic Diet Despite Weight Loss Benefits
The ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate and high fat and protein intake, has surged in popularity as a rapid weight loss method. Dr. Sigal Frishman, head of nutrition at Beilinson Hospital and Clalit Health Services, explains that the diet shifts the body's energy source from glucose to ketone bodies produced by fat breakdown. Originally developed to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children, the ketogenic diet has since attracted people seeking to manage weight, diabetes, and triglyceride levels due to its short-term metabolic improvements.
However, medical experts caution that the diet is an extreme nutritional intervention with significant health risks. Cardiologist Dr. Chen Gurevitz from Beilinson highlights concerns about elevated LDL cholesterol, a major contributor to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. She notes cases where patients on ketogenic diets presented with dangerously high LDL levels and heart attacks, despite weight loss and improved blood sugar markers. Some individuals, termed Lean Mass Hyper-Responders, experience dramatic LDL increases, sometimes tripling baseline levels, raising serious cardiovascular risks.
Beyond cholesterol, the diet’s restrictive nature reduces intake of dietary fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols found in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. This can harm gut microbiota diversity and intestinal barrier function, potentially increasing inflammation and disease risk, including colorectal cancer. The high saturated fat content common in strict ketogenic diets may further elevate health risks.
Additional concerns include increased acidity leading to kidney stones, elevated uric acid causing gout, and dangers for diabetics who may experience hypoglycemia if medications are not adjusted. The diet is not recommended for pregnant women, children without medical supervision, or individuals with preexisting cholesterol or cardiovascular issues. Moreover, adherence is difficult long-term, often resulting in weight regain.
Experts advise a more moderate approach, favoring Mediterranean-style diets with healthier fats like olive oil and avocado, combined with regular blood monitoring. Dr. Frishman and Dr. Gurevitz emphasize the importance of medical supervision and lipid profile checks soon after starting the diet to detect adverse effects early. While ketogenic diets may benefit some individuals initially, the potential cardiovascular and nutritional risks require careful consideration and ongoing evaluation.
