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. 2024 Mar;47(3):487-500.
doi: 10.1007/s40618-023-02258-2. Epub 2024 Jan 18.

Ketogenic nutritional therapy (KeNuT)-a multi-step dietary model with meal replacements for the management of obesity and its related metabolic disorders: a consensus statement from the working group of the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)-diet therapies in endocrinology and metabolism

Affiliations

Ketogenic nutritional therapy (KeNuT)-a multi-step dietary model with meal replacements for the management of obesity and its related metabolic disorders: a consensus statement from the working group of the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)-diet therapies in endocrinology and metabolism

L Barrea et al. J Endocrinol Invest. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: The ketogenic nutritional therapy (KeNuT) is an effective dietary treatment for patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and some type of cancers. However, to date an official document on the correct prescription of the ketogenic diet, validated by authoritative societies in nutrition or endocrine sciences, is missing. It is important to emphasize that the ketogenic nutritional therapy requires proper medical supervision for patient selection, due to the complex biochemical implications of ketosis and the need for a strict therapeutic compliance, and an experienced nutritionist for proper personalization of the whole nutritional protocol.

Methods: This practical guide provides an update of main clinical indications and contraindications of ketogenic nutritional therapy with meal replacements and its mechanisms of action. In addition, the various phases of the protocol involving meal replacements, its monitoring, clinical management and potential side effects, are also discussed.

Conclusion: This practical guide will help the healthcare provider to acquire the necessary skills to provide a comprehensive care of patients with overweight, obesity and obesity-related diseases, using a multistep ketogenic dietary treatment, recognized by the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)-Diet Therapies in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Keywords: Cardiovascular rehabilitation; Cardiovascular risk; Ketogenic diet; Ketone bodies; Meal replacements; Type 2 diabetes; VLCKD; Weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

LB and EC gave talks and received compensation for consultancy from New Penta; MC gave talks and received compensation for consultancy from Therascience and New Penta, and received research grants from SDM; FP received research grant from Therascience; AG received a research grant from SDM; AC gave a talk and received compensation from New Penta; all other authors declare no conflict of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of the KeNuT multisteps dietary protocol with meal replacements proposed by the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)—Diet Therapies in Endocrinology and Metabolism

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