A ketogenic diet for beginners
– the evidence

This guide is based on scientific evidence, following our policy for evidence-based guides.

It’s written by Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, MD, with the latest major update on April 27, 2020. Additional research and fact-checking by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE and Paul Rutkovskis. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Bret Scher, MD, on April 29, 2020.1

The guide contains scientific references. You can find these in the notes throughout the text, and click the links to read the peer-reviewed scientific papers. When appropriate we include a grading of the strength of the evidence, with a link to our policy on this. Our evidence-based guides are updated at least once per year to reflect and reference the latest science on the topic.

All our evidence-based health guides are written or reviewed by medical doctors who are experts on the topic. To stay unbiased, we show no ads, sell no products and take no money from industry.2 We’re fully funded by the people, via an optional membership.3

Read more about our policies and work with evidence-based guides, nutritional controversies, our writers team and our medical review board.

Disclaimer: While the ketogenic diet has many proven benefits, it’s still controversial. The main potential danger regards medications, e.g. for diabetes, where doses may need to be adapted. Discuss any changes in medication and relevant lifestyle changes with your doctor. Full disclaimer

The guide is written for adults with health issues, including obesity, that could benefit from a ketogenic diet.

Controversial topics related to a keto diet, and our take on them, include saturated fats, cholesterol, whole grains, red meat, salt, whether the brain needs carbohydrates and restricting calories for weight loss.

Should you find any inaccuracy in this guide, please email andreas@dietdoctor.com.

Return to the keto diet guide

  1. The guide was also previously reviewed by Dr. Scher on December 31, 2019. ↩

  2. A full declaration of potential conflicts of interests of individual authors or reviewers can be found on their personal pages, linked from their names. ↩

  3. Most information at Diet Doctor is free forever.

    For our premium member features, we offer a free one-month trial. After that, should you choose to stay a member, the cost is $9 per month. No commitment, cancel online at any time.

    We currently have more than 65,000 active members. They support our mission – empowering people everywhere – and help us grow our team to achieve this goal.

    Learn more about our membership ↩