The Ketogenic Diet and Weight Loss: A Review

The global ketogenic diet food market is forecasted to reach USD 12.35 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant growth from the roughly USD 5 billion observed in the fad diet industry in 2018. This marked increase can be attributed to the proliferation of keto cookbooks and the surge of popularity in products from the meat and dairy industries, including butter, which has seen a substantial rise in demand and profitability.

Industry Statistics and Subsidy Disparities

While the United States spends a massive USD 38 billion each year on subsidies for the meat and dairy industries, it dedicates a meager USD 17 million to subsidize fruits and vegetables. Similarly, the European Union mirrors this trend, indicating a stark imbalance in the support provided to different food sectors. This funding disparity underscores the economic power held by the meat and dairy industries, driving the demand for their products and, consequently, the popularity of keto diets.

Popularity and Profitability

A look at specific keto-related websites reveals the economic impact of such diets. For instance, one site catering to keto enthusiasts averages about 5000 monthly customers, generating substantial revenue from items like keto brownies. Amazon, a leading online retail platform, also capitalizes on the keto craze. It perceives that users shopping in the Keto Snacks section may benefit from additional purchases, such as sugar-free breath mints, due to ketosis-induced bad breath and potential constipation.

Rob Lowe and Atkins

Notable figures such as Rob Lowe have joined the keto movement by becoming spokesmen for Atkins, a billion-dollar keto company. This further highlights the mainstream acceptance and economic viability of the ketogenic diet.

The Science Behind the Ketogenic Diet and Weight Loss

While the ketogenic diet can lead to significant weight loss, this rapid loss often results from temporary starvation mode. Starvation mode occurs when the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced, making it a potential pitfall. This BMR drop is typically a consequence of extreme dieting, regardless of the specific diet plan type, such as low-carb, low-fat, or low-calorie diets.

Hormonal Mechanisms and Weight Plateaus

For low-carb diets, key hormones involved are cortisol and leptin. Some individuals mistakenly believe that lower carb intake is always better. However, maintaining an overly low carbohydrate intake can trigger cortisol levels to rise, leading to stress and a desire to cheat. Additionally, leptin levels may drop, further reducing BMR and making it harder to lose weight.

Similarly, when a low-fat diet is taken to an extreme, hormonal mechanisms differ, but the pattern remains the same. Overly restrictive diets often lead to hormonal imbalances that result in weight plateaus and increased temptation to cheat.

Even with a low-calorie diet, extreme calorie restriction can lead to similar hormonal imbalances and weight stall scenarios. These issues are compounded by the lack of proper science backing and adherence to directions that often accompanies these overly restrictive diets.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While the ketogenic diet can achieve significant weight loss, it is crucial to approach it with caution. Overextending the diet to the point of starvation mode can negatively impact long-term results and even incentivize cheating. It is advisable to follow the guidelines and adjust the diet appropriately to avoid these pitfalls. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can help ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to weight loss.

Keywords: ketogenic diet, weight loss, starvation mode