Low-Carb / Ketogenic
Clinically established for epilepsy; metabolic syndrome signal; long-term data thin.
Evidence base
Ketogenic diet is an established medical therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Short-term metabolic improvements in T2D and metabolic syndrome. Long-term cardiovascular and mortality data remain limited.
Mechanisms
- Ketone body metabolism shift
- Insulin reduction and glucose stabilization
- Appetite suppression via protein and fat satiety
Studied populations
- Epilepsy patients (medical ketogenic)
- Short-term metabolic syndrome RCTs
- Self-selected low-carb adherents
Likely strengths
- Established medical use in epilepsy
- Rapid glucose improvement in T2D
- Effective appetite control for some individuals
Open questions
- Long-term cardiovascular effects
- Sustainability beyond 12 months
- Gut microbiome changes on very low carb
- LDL response variation (hyper-responders)