Key points from article :
A study by researchers at the University of Bath in the UK examined the effects of a ketogenic diet compared to a low-sugar diet on fat loss and cholesterol levels.
The trial involved 53 participants with an average age of 34, who were assigned to follow either a ketogenic diet, a low-sugar diet, or a moderate-sugar diet for a month. The ketogenic diet, which comprised less than 8% carbohydrates and more than 70% fat, resulted in an average fat loss of 1.6 kg, while the low-sugar diet led to a loss of 1 kg, and the moderate-sugar group saw no fat loss.
The researchers confirmed adherence to the ketogenic diet through blood, urine, and breath tests for ketone bodies, and food diaries. While the ketogenic diet led to greater fat loss, it also increased levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol by 16% and apolipoprotein B by 26%, both of which are associated with higher heart disease risk. In contrast, the low-sugar diet resulted in a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol and no change in apolipoprotein B levels.
Additionally, the ketogenic diet was linked to reduced levels of beneficial gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium, which is important for immune health and vitamin production, likely due to lower fiber intake.
The low-sugar diet did not have this effect on gut bacteria. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, highlights the need for further long-term research to evaluate whether the weight loss benefits of a ketogenic diet outweigh potential risks related to cholesterol and gut health.
