The keto diet has gained a lot of popularity recently for its impressive effects on weight loss, but there are many other benefits as well. The keto diet is essentially a high fat, low carb diet in which the body turns fat into ketones to use as energy. A high carb diet turns carbohydrates into glucose and uses that as it's primary source of energy. However, diets that are high in refined sugars can lead to insulin resistance, which increases a patient's chance of developing diabetes. When a person is following the keto diet, the production of ketones will lead to a state of ketosis in the body, which occurs when the body begins using fat as its primary energy source. Current research indicates that ketogenic diets improve weight loss, cognitive function, reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and improve energy levels. 

There are a few different types of keto diets that people can follow, but for weight loss, it is generally recommended to ingest fewer than 50 carbs per day, or <25 net carbs per day. As far as proportions, the diet is most effective for weight loss when people ingest 70% healthy fats, 25% high quality proteins, and 5% carbohydrates. Ketosis can be measured by using blood, urine or breathe monitors. 

People who have certain types of healthy conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, should only follow this diet under the supervision of a licensed physician. At Pacholec Center for Weight Loss, Dr. Barbara Pacholec and our Nurse Practitioner, Lauren DeNeve, have developed a Supervised Keto Diet Weight Loss Program to help our patients be successful and improve their weight loss outcomes following this diet. Call us to set up your visit with Dr. Pacholec in either our Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL office.