What is the ketogenic diet for weight loss ？

The ketogenic diet for weight loss, also known as the "meat diet," works by replacing carbohydrates with fats. Once the body has used up all the glucose, it starts burning fat for energy and enters a state of ketosis. This puts the body into a high-speed fat-burning state. In medicine, the ketogenic diet is mainly used to treat uncontrolled childhood epilepsy and type 2 diabetes.

1.What is the ketogenic diet? The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet characterized by high levels of fat in the diet, low levels of carbohydrates and protein. This method was originally used in the treatment of epilepsy in children in 1921 and has since been confirmed as a significantly effective dietary therapy through subsequent clinical studies.

2.Can the ketogenic diet be used for weight loss? Why? To summarize, the ketogenic diet can lead to weight loss in the short term, but there are not enough studies that have looked at the long-term effects of stopping the ketogenic diet. The reason the ketogenic diet can lead to weight loss is that it changes the body's source of energy. The high levels of ketones produced by the diet can replace glucose as fuel for the brain and liver, and especially the brain has a strong ability to use ketones. Any unused ketones have to be excreted through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urinary system, leading to a loss of energy in the body. With regard to each type of nutrient, the reason is as follows:

(1)Compared to a normal diet structure, the ketogenic diet has a higher fat content, which can increase the level of free fatty acids in the body and act on the hypothalamus to reduce food intake and glucose production. In addition, ketosis produced by high-fat diets can cause anorexia, resulting in a lower energy intake than energy expenditure, thus achieving the goal of weight loss [1]. For example, Little Bai has been going to a buffet every day for the past week and swore to eat back the money, so Little Bai eats a lot of barbecued pork belly and fish, and refuses to eat any staple food. As a result, Little Bai's brain repeatedly says, "Don't eat anymore, I really don't want to eat anymore..." Later, Little Bai became anorexic.

(2)Under normal conditions, the breakdown and metabolism of body fat is strongly inhibited by insulin. A high-carbohydrate diet structure stimulates insulin secretion in the body, and insulin can promote fat generation and inhibit fat breakdown by activating enzymes. The ketogenic diet emphasizes low-carb eating, which can greatly reduce the body's absorption of glucose and reduce insulin fluctuations by lowering blood sugar levels; on the other hand, it increases insulin sensitivity, thus reducing insulin's ability to inhibit fat breakdown. For example, Little Bai is a cute, chubby girl without diabetes (BMI>25), who loves bread, steamed buns and noodles. Every time she eats a bowl of white noodles, her body secretes insulin, which activates enzymes to promote fat generation and prevent fat breakdown as soon as it sees so many noodles. So, Little Bai got fat again.

(3)Compared to a normal diet, the ketogenic diet has a higher protein content, and the body can use proteins for energy production in the absence of carbohydrates. The high protein intake can reduce hunger, increase muscle mass, and maintain the normal functioning of the body. However, excessive protein intake can increase the load on the liver and kidneys, which may cause kidney damage in the long term. For example, Little Bai eats a lot of chicken breast, fish, eggs and cheese every day, which can reduce her hunger and increase her muscle mass, but if she eats too much, it may cause liver and kidney damage.

3.Who is the ketogenic diet suitable for? Numerous studies have shown that the ketogenic diet is suitable for obese populations and for those with diabetes as a treatment option, as it can lower blood sugar levels. However, before starting a ketogenic diet, patients must consult a doctor to ensure that this diet is appropriate for their specific situation.

Additionally, athletes and physically trained individuals may also consider the ketogenic diet, as it can provide adequate energy for muscles and help them perform better in training and competitions.