Increased metabolic costs of gluconeogenesis and the thermic effect of proteins. Moreover, KDs recently have become quite popular as a weight-loss diet [ 4 ]. J Appl Physiol , — In addition, studies support ketone body supplements as a potential method to induce ketosis and supply sustainable fuel sources to promote exercise performance. Results 3. On the contrary, in the brain, as mentioned above, the increase of AMPK activity leads to higher food intakes. American Diabetes, Association 6. J Clin Oncol.
The ketogenic diet KD has gained a resurgence in popularity due to its purported reputation for fighting obesity. Recent scientific evidence highlights the KD as a promising strategy to treat obesity, diabetes, and cardiac dysfunction. In addition, studies support ketone body supplements as a potential method to induce ketosis and supply sustainable fuel sources to promote exercise performance. Despite the acceptance in the mainstream media, the KD remains controversial in the medical and scientific communities. Research suggests that the KD or ketone body supplementation may result in unexpected side effects, including altered blood lipid profiles, abnormal glucose homeostasis, increased adiposity, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of ketone body metabolism and a background on the KD and ketone body supplements in the context of obesity and exercise performance. The effectiveness of these dietary or supplementation strategies as a therapy for weight loss or as an ergogenic aid will be discussed. In addition, the recent evidence that indicates ketone body metabolism is a potential target for cardiac dysfunction will be reviewed. Recently, the ketogenic diet KD has emerged as a celebrated dietary plan for the treatment of obesity and diabetes [ 1 ]. Although the KD has been used successfully for certain health conditions, questions remain on the long-term impact of the diet on obesity, diabetes, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease CVD. In addition, the use of the KD as a performance-enhancing substance is still a subject of debate. For almost years, the diet has been used for the treatment of epilepsy, but has been reintroduced to the public over last few years.
The goal of this paper is to review current literature on nutritional ketosis within the context of weight management and metabolic syndrome—namely insulin resistance, lipid profile and cardiovascular disease risk, and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We provide background on the mechanism of ketogenesis and describe nutritional ketosis. Nutritional ketosis has been found to improve metabolic and inflammatory markers, including lipids, HbA1c, high-sensitivity CRP, fasting insulin and glucose levels, and aid in weight management. We discuss these findings and elaborate on potential mechanisms of ketones for promoting weight loss, decreasing hunger, and increasing satiety. Humans have evolved with the capacity for metabolic flexibility and the ability to use ketones for fuel. During states of low dietary carbohydrate intake, insulin levels remain low and ketogenesis takes place. These conditions promote breakdown of excess fat stores, sparing of lean muscle, and improvement in insulin sensitivity. Obesity and the related Metabolic Syndrome are epidemics in the Western world. Worldwide, obesity has nearly tripled since