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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Dec 19;16(24):4380.
doi: 10.3390/nu16244380.

Development and Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Healthy Ketogenic Diet Versus Energy-Restricted Diet on Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity

Su Lin Lim  1 , Melissa Tay  2 , Siew Min Ang  2 , Shu Ning Wai  2 , Kai Wen Ong  2 , Wen Joo Neo  2 , Qai Ven Yap  3 , Yiong Huak Chan  3 , Chin Meng Khoo  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Development and Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Healthy Ketogenic Diet Versus Energy-Restricted Diet on Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity

Su Lin Lim et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Introduction: The ketogenic diet (KD) is widely used for weight management by reducing appetite, enhancing fat oxidation, and facilitating weight loss. However, the high content of total and saturated fats in a conventional KD may elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for healthier alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a newly developed Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) versus an Energy-Restricted Diet (ERD) on weight loss and metabolic outcomes among adults with obesity. Methods: Multi-ethnic Asian adults (n = 80) with body mass index ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 were randomized either to HKD (n = 41) or ERD (n = 39) for 6 months. Both groups followed an energy-restricted healthy diet, emphasizing on reducing saturated and trans fats. The HKD group additionally limited net carbohydrate intake to no more than 50 g per day. Dietary adherence was supported via the Nutritionist Buddy app with dietitian coaching. The primary outcome was weight change from baseline at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included weight change at 3 months and 1 year, along with changes in metabolic profiles. Data were analyzed using linear regression with an intention-to-treat approach. Results: The HKD group achieved significantly greater mean weight loss at 6 months than the ERD group (-7.8 ± 5.2 kg vs. -4.2 ± 5.6 kg, p = 0.01). The mean weight loss percentage at 6 months was 9.3 ± 5.9% and 4.9 ± 5.8% for the HKD and ERD groups, respectively (p = 0.004). Improvements in metabolic profiles were also significantly better in the HKD group [glycated hemoglobin (-0.3 ± 0.3% vs. -0.1 ± 0.2%, p = 0.008), systolic blood pressure (-7.7 ± 8.9 mmHg vs. -2.6 ± 12.2 mmHg, p = 0.005), and aspartate transaminase (-7.6 ± 15.5 IU/L vs. 0.6 ± 11.5 IU/L, p = 0.01)], with no increase in LDL-cholesterol (-0.12 ± 0.60 mmol/L vs. -0.04 ± 0.56 mmol/L, p = 0.97) observed in either group. Conclusions: The HKD was more effective than the ERD in promoting weight loss and improving cardiometabolic outcomes without elevation in LDL-cholesterol. It can be recommended for therapeutic intervention in patients with obesity.

Keywords: Asian; adults; energy-restricted diet; healthy ketogenic diet; metabolic outcomes; obesity; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participant flowchart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Correlation between net carbohydrate intake and weight loss in the Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) and Energy-Restricted Diet (ERD) groups at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Correlation between energy intake and weight loss in the Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) and Energy-Restricted Diet (ERD) groups at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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