Long-Term Weight Loss Outcomes in Obese Patients on a Keto Diet

Understanding Ketogenic Diets

Researchers exploring long-term weight loss outcomes have found that obese patients who follow a ketogenic diet can maintain their resting metabolic rate (RMR). Ketogenic diets are characterized by high fat and protein content while being very low in carbohydrates. This dietary approach primarily aims to utilize fats as the main energy source.

Metabolic Adaptation Explained

When individuals engage in energy-restrictive diets, their bodies often respond by reducing energy expenditure, leading to a decrease in the resting metabolic rate. This phenomenon is known as metabolic adaptation. RMR refers to the energy required for the body to perform essential functions at rest, such as breathing and cognitive activities.

Research Findings on Ketogenic Diets

Recent groundbreaking research has indicated that very low-calorie ketogenic diets can result in significant weight loss and help individuals maintain that weight loss for up to two years. A team of Spanish researchers conducted this study to test the hypothesis that such diets would trigger a neutral response in resting metabolic rate, thereby reducing the chances of weight regain. The findings were published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism.

Sustained Weight Loss Without RMR Decrease

The low-calorie ketogenic diets led to weight loss in the obese participants, and notably, the expected decrease in resting metabolic rate did not occur. Researchers hypothesize that this neutral RMR response may be due to the preservation of lean muscle mass typically associated with ketogenic diets.

Significance of the Study

The authors of the study claim it is the first of its kind to directly investigate the impact of low-calorie ketogenic diets on the resting metabolic rate among obese patients. Their findings suggest that a low-calorie ketogenic diet can effectively maintain normal resting metabolic levels and preserve lean muscle mass, potentially preventing metabolic adaptation and subsequent weight regain for obese individuals.

References

Canton, A., Ordoñez-Mayan, L., … Casanueva, F. F. (2018). Resting metabolic rate of obese patients under very low calorie ketogenic diet. Nutrition & Metabolism, 15(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0249-z