Research highlights potential metabolic benefits of a ketogenic diet, while experts emphasise the importance of individual medical advice
Prediabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease have become increasingly common metabolic health concerns. Along with regular physical activity and appropriate medical care, dietary modification can play an important role in weight management and metabolic health. Among various dietary approaches, the low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has attracted considerable scientific interest for its potential effects on blood sugar control and liver fat.
A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism examined the effects of different dietary approaches in 42 adults with obesity, prediabetes and excess liver fat. Participants were assigned to three weight-loss diets: a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, a Mediterranean diet and a low-fat, predominantly plant-based diet.
According to the study, approximately 4% of calories in the ketogenic diet came from carbohydrates, while about 73% came from fat. The Mediterranean diet provided approximately 50% of calories from carbohydrates and 35% from fat, whereas the low-fat diet contained around 70% carbohydrates and 15% fat.
Muscle insulin sensitivity improved by approximately 50% across all three groups, suggesting that the muscles became more efficient at taking up glucose from the bloodstream. However, the improvement in liver insulin sensitivity was substantially greater among participants following the ketogenic diet.
The study also reported an approximately 67% reduction in liver fat among participants following the ketogenic diet, compared with about 45% among those following the other dietary approaches. A reduction in the liver’s production of new fat was identified as one possible explanation. Improvements in glucose and insulin levels were also observed in the ketogenic group. By the end of the study, approximately half of the participants in the ketogenic group no longer met the criteria for prediabetes.
These findings suggest that, among people with obesity, prediabetes and excess liver fat, the composition of a diet may influence certain metabolic outcomes in addition to the effects of weight loss itself. The ketogenic diet showed particularly notable potential benefits in reducing liver fat and improving liver insulin sensitivity.
Fat accumulation in the liver can occur even in people who do not consume alcohol. Excess calorie intake, insulin resistance and other metabolic factors can contribute to fatty liver. Therefore, people with fatty liver, prediabetes or abnormal blood sugar levels should pay particular attention to their diet and overall lifestyle.
However, a ketogenic diet is not necessarily suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease, cardiovascular risk factors, other chronic conditions or those taking regular medication should consult a qualified doctor or registered dietitian before adopting a highly restrictive diet.
Fatty liver and metabolic disorders may also be associated with an increased risk of kidney-related complications. Anyone experiencing kidney or urinary symptoms should therefore seek timely evaluation from a urologist or nephrologist.
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The hospital offers treatment for kidney stones, prostate disorders, kidney failure, urinary problems in men and women, and urological cancers involving the kidney, urinary bladder, prostate, testicles and other relevant organs. Specialist urology and nephrology services are available throughout the week.
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