Ketogenic Diets Suppress Appetite: Research Review

Do ketogenic diets really suppress appetite? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In order to evaluate quantitatively the effect of ketogenic diets on appetite,  the authors of the review (linked) conducted a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of studies that assessed appetite with visual analogue scales before (in energy balance) and during (while in ketosis) adherence to VLED or KLCD.

Their conclusion was: “Thus, the clinical benefit of a ketogenic diet is in preventing an increase in appetite, despite weight loss, although individuals may indeed feel slightly less hungry (or more full or satisfied). Ketosis appears to provide a plausible explanation for this suppression of appetite.”

As discussed in my last blog, I have used controlled ketogenic diets in clinic for over 15 years, and have always found that those who are in ketosis (within the range we specify on their testing strips) rarely feel hungry.

In fact, one of the indicators I use to determine if they are properly in ketsosis in the range we specify, in addition to using the test strips, is the absence of hunger, and general feeling of increased energy.

If you are interested in investigating ketogenic diets further for weight loss, energy levels, or an ailment you may be experiencing, please email me on tim@timaltman.com.au or call 0425 739 918.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25402637