Ketogenic Diet: A Potential Solution for Eating Disorders

Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that might surprise you: the ketogenic diet and how it could help with eating disorders. Sounds a bit far-fetched, right? But new research is showing that the ketogenic diet might actually be a game-changer for people struggling with binge eating disorder and even broader issues under the umbrella of “food addiction.”

Researchers at Stanford University teamed up with doctors who use low-carb diets in their practices and looked at three patients with binge eating tendencies. These patients not only lost a significant amount of weight but also saw a reduction in their binge eating symptoms. That’s huge!

However, some experts worry that dieting can lead to disordered eating. But this study suggests the opposite might be true in some cases. Of course, there are some important caveats. These three patients might not represent everyone, other diets weren’t tested, and the way binge eating disorder was measured wasn’t super consistent. But still, it’s a promising start!

How Ketogenic Diets Might Help

So, how does the ketogenic diet work its magic? It can make you feel fuller, reduce hunger, and even change hormones in ways that might improve mental health. Compared to other diets, these changes could be particularly beneficial for addressing disordered eating. This research is still in its early stages, but it shows that ketogenic diets might help both physical and mental health. We definitely need more studies to understand the long-term effects, but it’s a good start.

Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diets for Weight Loss

At Diet Doctor, we’ve been talking about the benefits of ketogenic diets for years. Now, a large review of clinical trials and cohort studies has concluded that very-low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are both safe and effective for weight loss in people who are overweight or obese.

In the studies, participants consumed fewer than 800 calories and 50 grams of carbs per day for several weeks. This strict phase was followed by a gradual increase in calorie and carb intake as part of a multi-phase intervention. The results were impressive: an average weight loss of 22 pounds (10 kg) in less than 4 weeks and 33 pounds (15 kg) in 4-12 weeks. Plus, participants saw improvements in several health markers, including lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.

What Does This Mean for You?

At Diet Doctor, we believe that drastic calorie restriction isn’t necessary for weight loss on a ketogenic diet. High-quality evidence shows that keto diets naturally reduce appetite, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake. However, it’s encouraging to see that VLCKDs can kickstart weight loss and transition into a sustainable, low-carb lifestyle.

So, there you have it! Whether you’re dealing with binge eating disorder or just looking to lose some weight, the ketogenic diet might be worth a try. Remember, everyone’s body is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. But hey, it’s always good to have options. Stay curious and keep exploring what works best for you!

Thanks for reading, and here’s to a healthier, happier you!