ketogenic diet

noun

variants or keto diet

plural ketogenic diets or keto diets

: a diet that supplies large amounts of fats, moderate amounts of proteins, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates and that is undertaken for weight loss or to control seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy

Note: As the body is deprived of carbohydrates in the ketogenic diet, insulin secretion drops and glycogen stores in the body become depleted. The body then enters a state of nutritional ketosis where ketone bodies formed by the metabolism of fatty acids replace glucose as the primary energy source.

A ketogenic diet, says [Robert] Atkins, burns one's fat stores and uses them as a source of fuel.

—Lisa Teresi Harris

The keto diet can be restrictive and requires that you carefully measure out the various macronutrients—fat, protein and carbohydrates—to keep your body in ketosis and gain the benefits of the diet.

—Elaine K. Howley

The center offers the latest medical and surgical treatments as well as the ketogenic diet—a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps control seizures in some people.

—The New York Times Magazine

Examples of ketogenic diet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, when a person follows a diet that severely restricts carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, intake of many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals – or biologically active compounds found in plants – and fiber are reduced. —Mandy Conrad, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024

Keto Chow Electrolytes: Hydration Drops and Supplement Intermittent fasting, especially when combined with a ketogenic diet, can be an effective way to promote weight loss and support overall health. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023

And in 2016, Hall found that a ketogenic diet did indeed lead to more energy burned but that the small difference didn’t correspond to fat loss. —Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023

On average, their ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was lower, increasing their chances of ovulating—and, therefore, of conceiving.1 These effects may be partly due to a ketogenic diet’s ability to stabilize blood sugar, a major player in the diagnosis of PCOS. —Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023

In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, researchers found that participants performed worse on high-intensity cycling and running tasks after four days on a ketogenic diet compared to those who'd spent four days on a high-carb diet. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 8 Sep. 2023

Supporting Ketogenic Diets: The ketogenic diet focuses on consuming low carbohydrates while increasing healthy fat intake. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

In addition to following a ketogenic diet, there are other key considerations. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023

The fourth and lowest tier included the Paleo diet and very low carbohydrate/ketogenic diets, which align poorly with the AHA Dietary Guidance. —Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Rd, Cdn, Cdces, Health, 16 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ketogenic diet

noun

variants or keto diet

: a diet that supplies large amounts of fats, moderate amounts of proteins, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates and that is undertaken for weight loss or to control seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy

Note: As the body is deprived of carbohydrates in the ketogenic diet, insulin secretion drops and glycogen stores in the body become depleted. The body then enters a state of nutritional ketosis where ketone bodies formed by the metabolism of fatty acids replace glucose as the primary energy source.