Experts Warn Keto Diet Linked to Serious Health Risks

Concerns are rising regarding the popular Keto diet, as researchers have linked this low-carb eating plan to an increased risk of serious health conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease. The findings were reported by a team of scientists from the University of Utah, highlighting potential metabolic complications associated with long-term adherence to this dietary trend.

The Keto diet has gained notoriety, primarily due to its endorsement by various celebrities who claim it aids in effortless weight loss. This eating regimen focuses on drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption, aiming to induce a metabolic state known as ketosis. In this state, the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss.

In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers examined the effects of a high-fat, low-carb diet on mice. They found that those on a diet consisting of 90 percent fat were more prone to insulin sensitivity issues and developed low insulin levels, elevating their risk of diabetes. Over one year, this group initially lost weight but later exhibited signs of fatty liver disease, extreme glucose intolerance, and hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated cholesterol and fat levels in the blood.

Dr. Molly Gallop, a postdoctoral fellow in metabolic biology, noted, “We observed worsening glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion the longer the animals had been on a keto diet.” She emphasized that, despite initial health improvements, the long-term implications of the Keto diet warrant serious consideration.

The implications of these findings extend beyond animal studies. The research indicates that the Keto diet may not be a sustainable or safe long-term dietary intervention for metabolic health. The scientists urged further investigation in different mouse strains and potential human studies to confirm these adverse effects.

In the context of the typical Keto diet, it consists of approximately 75 percent fat, 20 percent protein, and only 5 percent carbohydrates. This stark contrast to the recommended balanced diet, which suggests 30 percent fat, 15 percent protein, and 55 percent carbohydrates, raises questions about the diet’s viability and safety.

Celebrity advocates of the Keto diet, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Kourtney Kardashian, have popularized this low-carb approach, often touting its weight-loss benefits. However, as the research suggests, the potential long-term health risks may overshadow these advantages.

Despite numerous studies highlighting the potential dangers associated with the Keto diet, its popularity continues to rise. Individuals considering this dietary change should weigh the benefits against the risks, especially given the recent evidence linking it to serious health complications.

As public awareness of these findings increases, it may prompt a reevaluation of the Keto diet’s role in modern dietary practices.