Mixed
A multiphasic very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) program significantly reduces body weight, waist circumference, and cardiometabolic risk markers (including insulin resistance, blood pressure, and lipid profiles) in women with overweight or obesity when implemented in a real-world outpatient setting.
For women with overweight or obesity, a structured, medically supervised very-low-calorie ketogenic diet program over 24 weeks can significantly reduce body weight, waist size, and improve key health markers like insulin resistance and blood pressure. The program uses specific meal replacements and supplements, divided into active and stabilization phases. While strict adherence is challenging and some individuals may see an increase in LDL cholesterol, the overall cardiovascular risk profile tends to improve. Regular monitoring of liver, kidney, and lipid functions is recommended to ensure safety and tailor the approach.
The findings of a multi-center VLCKD program conducted in a real-world setting in a cohort of overweight/obese women indicate that it is safe and effective, as it results in a major improvement of cardiometabolic parameters, thus leading to benefits that span well beyond the mere body weight/adiposity reduction.
Why this rating
The study is a prospective, uncontrolled trial in a real-world setting with a small sample size (n=30 completers) and no control group, limiting causal inference compared to RCTs.
Source
Reduction of Cardio-Metabolic Risk and Body Weight through a Multiphasic Very-Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet Program in Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Study in a Real-World Setting
Elena Tragni et al. · Nutrients · 2021
DOI 10.3390/nu13061804
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