THE ketogenic diet promises a spectacular weight loss thanks to the almost total elimination of sugar in favor of foods rich in good fats. And many are the followers who proudly display their thinner silhouette.
Benefits for the brain
In recent years, the fashion for the ketogenic diet has invaded not only the shelves of diet books, but also websites. Its defenders are full of praise for a program that has made them lose many pounds, without really depriving themselves or suffering from hunger. This diet advocates the consumption of fatty foods such as avocados, and bans fast sugars. “Basically, this diet was developed in the context of epilepsy. Ketone bodies indeed produce interesting effects at the neurological level. It is also recommended in Alzheimer’s disease because studies have found that it produced benefits on the brain,” underlines Véronique Liesse, nutritionist.
How effective in weight loss?
Its virtues on neurological diseases have extended to those on weight loss. In the United States, for example, many authors have seen their books on this subject become a bestseller. It is therefore appropriate to ask whether this craze is justified, because much has been put forward its advantages, but what about its disadvantages? “There is no doubt that this diet actually works and makes you lose weight. It is very similar to the protein diet, so in terms of effectiveness, there is no doubt.”
However, like all weight loss diets, what happens when you stop it? “A priori, it is mathematical to take back the lost kilos if we ever throw ourselves on sweet products because we have been frustrated for months not having consumed them. And the weight you regain may be more than the weight you lost“, warns the expert.
A weakened microbiota, an impacted transit, a tired body…
But this is not the only risk, which moreover is inherent in any diet. Lack of glucose is a problem for the brain. It needs them in reasonable amounts to function properly. Then a diet too rich in fats modifies the intestinal microbiota in particular. “It is now accepted, the microbiota is the number 1 health actor. However, a diet rich in fats can modify it by weakening it. Its lack of fiber can also become problematic because it can cause transit problems. And in the long run In the long term, you can start to feel a lot of fatigue for example, or nausea. You can also notice a loss of muscle mass”, adds Véronique Liesse.
Before you start, you must therefore weigh the pros and cons, be ready to manage the stabilization period so as not to regain the lost pounds, and seek advice from your doctor to find out if this abundance of lipids is suitable for your profile. “It’s not a diet that you should arbitrarily throw in the trash, but you shouldn’t throw yourself on it without taking precautions beforehand. Because diets always work until the day you stop them!”, concludes the nutritionist.
Thanks to Véronique Liesse, nutritionist.
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