Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40879882›Full record

ReviewCell biochemistry and biophysics2026

The Ketogenic Diet in Obesity Management: Friend or Foe?

Esther Ugo Alum, Sylvester Chibueze Izah, Peter A Betiang, Okechukwu Paul-Chima Ugwu, Christine Ainebyoona, Daniel Ejim Uti, Darlington Arinze Echegu, Benedict Nnachi Alum

Abstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Cell biochemistry and biophysics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Maternal Nutrition, Toxicants, and Epigenetic Programming of Obesity Across Generations.Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy · 2025
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Esther Ugo AlumDepartment of Research and Publications, Kampala International University, P. O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda. alumesther79@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-8615
Sylvester Chibueze IzahDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
Peter A BetiangDepartment of Access Early Childhood and special needs education, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
Okechukwu Paul-Chima UgwuDepartment of Research and Publications, Kampala International University, P. O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Christine AinebyoonaFaculty of Business and Management Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
Daniel Ejim UtiDepartment of Research and Publications, Kampala International University, P. O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Darlington Arinze EcheguDepartment of Research and Publications, Kampala International University, P. O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Benedict Nnachi AlumDepartment of Research and Publications, Kampala International University, P. O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundObesity remains a leading global health challenge, driving a surge in dietary interventions aimed at effective weight loss and metabolic improvement. Low and very low carbohydrate diets, including the ketogenic diet (KD), have attracted renewed public and scientific interest for its reported rapid weight loss effects, though evidence for long-term benefits remains limited.

objectiveThis narrative review critically examines the role of low and very low carbohydrate diets, including the KD in obesity management, exploring their mechanistic basis, clinical efficacy, potential risks, and long-term sustainability, defined here as the ability of individuals to adhere to such diets safely and effectively over extended periods (≥ 12 months) without adverse health consequences.

methodsA comprehensive synthesis of peer-reviewed literature was performed utilizing sources including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on human and animal studies that assessed the effects of KD on obesity, metabolic outcomes, and safety.

resultsKD exerts anti-obesity effects through multiple pathways, including induction of nutritional ketosis, appetite suppression, enhanced fat oxidation, and improved insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials report significant short-term weight reduction and enhancements in glycemic control and lipid profiles. However, concerns persist regarding long-term adherence, cardiovascular risks, increased workload placed for the kidneys (renal strain), micronutrient deficiencies, and alterations in gut microbiota. Long-term benefits are debated, with evidence being limited and heterogeneous.

conclusionThe ketogenic diet presents both promise and pitfalls in obesity management. While short-term benefits are evident, its safety and sustainability over extended periods require cautious evaluation. KD may be a useful short-term strategic tool for select individuals under clinical supervision, rather than a universal solution. Future study should focus on personalized ketogenic strategies integrated with broader lifestyle and nutritional frameworks.

Indexed as

Diet, KetogenicObesityAnimalsHumansWeight LossKetogenic dietKetosisMetabolic healthObesityWeight loss

Identifiers

PMID40879882

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.