New review: very-low-calorie ketogenic diets are effective for weight loss
, medical review by Dr. Bret Scher, MD
in Calorie counting, Keto, New study, Weight loss studies 
At Diet Doctor, we’ve been writing about the benefits of ketogenic diets for weight loss and health 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 achieving weight loss in people who are overweight or obese:
Of the 12 studies included in the review, 4 were randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). In all studies, overweight and obese adults reported consuming 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.
In the initial phase, weight loss averaged 22 pounds (10 kg) in studies where the ketogenic diet was consumed for less than 4 weeks, and 33 pounds (15 kg) in studies where the ketogenic diet period lasted 4-12 weeks. In addition, study participants experienced beneficial changes in several health markers, including lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.
Only three studies had follow-up periods lasting two or more years. Interestingly, the researchers of those studies reported that many people were able to maintain most of the weight they’d lost during the initial phase of the VLCKD, even though their calorie and carb intake had increased over time.
At Diet Doctor, we feel that deliberate, drastic calorie restriction isn’t necessary for weight loss on a ketogenic diet. After all, high-quality evidence has repeatedly demonstrated that ketogenic diets reduce appetite, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake.1 However, we’re encouraged that researchers are studying VLCKDs and showing that they can be safely used to “jump start” weight loss, bridging to a nutrient-dense, low-carbohydrate lifestyle that can be sustained long term.
Earlier
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Kate, the difference with a Keto diet is that your body sees it the same as fasting, and your metabolism will not decrease to adjust to a lower calorie intake.
Calorie restriction while eating a common american amount of carbs will eventually cause your metabolism to adjust to the lower calories, and weight loss will stall or even reverse.
Yes, it can be effective for any kind of weight loss. You may find this specific guide helpful.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
At Diet Doctor, we feel that deliberate, drastic calorie restriction isn’t necessary for weight loss on a ketogenic diet. After all, high-quality evidence has repeatedly demonstrated that ketogenic diets reduce appetite, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake. However, we’re encouraged that researchers are studying VLCKDs and showing that they can be safely used to “jump start” weight loss, bridging to a nutrient-dense, low-carbohydrate lifestyle that can be sustained long term.
Here is a great place to get started: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started You can join Diet Doctor for a wide variety of member benefits including meal plans and the ability to customize meal plans. https://www.dietdoctor.com/explore-dd-plus
Hi, Amy! We feel that deliberate, drastic calorie restriction isn’t necessary for weight loss on a ketogenic diet. High-quality evidence has repeatedly demonstrated that ketogenic diets reduce appetite, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake. I would recommend signing up for our free 2-Week Challenge to help you get started! https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started
My recommendation is after you lose weight, learn to eat very modestly (all types of food), 5-6 days a week, and have a cheat meal. Whatever you, avoiding high carb food altogether is a very bad idea and most people will fail.
Barb, check out our 2 Week Getting Started Challenge. Compare the meal plans to what you were eating on previous diets to note any differences. Many people have experienced great success with this program. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started
Most people who lost a lot of weight on keto don't ever want to go back to this way of eating.
It's not at all like fasting!
I do both, and Keto alone is not when I burn the most fat, it is during the variable lengths of fasting when my pounds are melted for fuel.