x
Breaking News
More () »

VERIFY: Keto Might Not Be The Safest Diet

It’s one of the top diet trends, pushing more fat and fewer carbs. Keto is not the safest option for the majority of people.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — After indulging on turkey, rolls, stuffing, casseroles, pies -- you name it -- this Thanksgiving, perhaps you are considering a somewhat healthier meal plan going forward. 

VERIFY QUESTION

Good Morning Show viewer Judy Knighten asked, "Can you VERIFY the KETO diet?"

Specifically, she asked whether it is healthy and if it works.

VERIFY SOURCES

VERIFY PROCESS

Both Mayo Clinic and registered dietitian Melissa Leonard agree the Keto diet is safe...for only a very select group of people.

The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet, which restricts grain intake and sets limits on fruits and some vegetables. It is called the Keto diet, because the body burns and gets energy from fat, instead of carbs, causing the person to enter a state of ketosis. Leonard said it is enticing to people, because it can cause quick initial weight loss and gives a strict set of rules to follow.

That said, Leonard noted the Keto diet is high in saturated fat, meaning it can increase the risk for heart disease. And, it is difficult to maintain long-term, which can mean a re-gaining of the weight lost. It also is so restrictive, it can put people at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder.

Leonard and Mayo Clinic note the positive benefits of Keto for people with the seizure disorder epilepsy. The Mayo Clinic cited research, saying Ketosis has brain-protecting benefits. As many as half of young people with epilepsy had fewer seizures after following the diet. 

Leonard said, "Because of the restrictive nature of this diet and lack of long-term research for use in individuals for conditions apart from seizure disorders, I would not recommend this diet otherwise."

VERIFY CONCLUSION

Is the Keto diet healthy? Generally, only for people with seizure disorders. Does it work? Usually, yes, for initial weight loss but not long-term.

Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Submit a post, screen shot or selfie video to Meghann Mollerus via:

Facebook: Meghann Mollerus News

E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com

Twitter: @MeghannMollerus

RELATED: VERIFY: Those bright lights in the sky were Jupiter and Venus

RELATED: VERIFY: Restaurant Employees Must Keep Aprons Sanitary

RELATED: VERIFY: Post De-Bunked About Flu Shot Spreading Cancer

RELATED: VERIFY: This Is Not A Funnel Cloud But Likely An Arcus Cloud

Before You Leave, Check This Out