Energy balance
Exogenous ketone sources, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and ketone esters, increase energy expenditure and reduce energy intake when consumed in the context of high carbohydrate availability.
If you are eating a high-carbohydrate diet, adding MCT oil or ketone esters may slightly boost your energy expenditure and reduce your hunger. However, the effect is small ('slightly enhanced weight loss') and not a substitute for a balanced diet. It is not a magic bullet.
In contrast, the intake of medium-chain triglycerides and ketone esters induces ketosis and appears to increase energy expenditure and reduce energy intake in the context of high carbohydrate availability.
Why this rating
Based on narrative review of studies showing increased TEF with MCTs and reduced intake with ketone esters, but noted as 'slightly enhanced' and requiring more controlled studies.
Source
Effects of ketone bodies on energy expenditure, substrate utilization, and energy intake in humans
Rodrigo Fernández‐Verdejo et al. · Journal of Lipid Research · 2023
DOI 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100442
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