This study investigated the effects of a ketogenic low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet on body composition in healthy, young, normal-weight women. It addressed a gap in research that has predominantly focused on men.
Key Points
Aim: To examine how a ketogenic LCHF diet affects body composition in healthy, young, normal-weight women compared to a recommended control diet.
Methods:
17 women participated in a randomised controlled feeding trial with a crossover design
Participants followed a ketogenic LCHF diet and a Swedish National Food Agency (NFA) -recommended diet for 4 weeks each
Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Results:
Ketogenic LCHF diet led to significant reductions in both lean mass (-1.45 kg) and fat mass (-0.66 kg) compared to the control diet
Weight loss occurred despite similar energy intake and physical activity levels
Related
Practical Takeaways
Ketogenic diets can be effective for weight loss in women, even without calorie restriction.
However, the diet may cause more lean mass loss than fat mass loss.
Women following a ketogenic diet should consider incorporating strength training to mitigate muscle loss.
Key Takeaways
Ketogenic LCHF diets can lead to significant weight loss in women, even without calorie restriction.
The diet disproportionately reduces lean mass compared to fat mass.
More research is needed on the effects of ketogenic diets, specifically in women.
Concurrent strength training may be necessary to maintain muscle mass while following a ketogenic diet.
The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in dietary research and interventions.
Reference
Burén J, Svensson M, Liv P, Sjödin A. Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition in Healthy, Young, Normal-Weight Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial. Nutrients. 2024; 16(13):2030. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132030
This study did not control for dietary adherence, they relied on the testimonies from the participants. There is a chance they were not fully adhering to the protein needs for the diet, which caused muscle loss. (Protein is still necessary even in a keto diet)