Keto Diet: Energy Boost or Long-Term Health Gamble?

From time to time we hear about the ketogenic (keto) diet, yet many people are not fully aware of what it actually is. The keto diet was originally created for medical purposes, not for weight loss. Its origins go back about 100 years and are closely linked to the treatment of epilepsy, particularly in children.

In 1921, researchers discovered that fasting forces the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. During ketosis, the body begins to burn fat for energy and produces molecules called ketones.

That same year, physician Russel Wilder proposed a diet that could mimic the effects of fasting without requiring patients to stop eating. He called it the ketogenic diet.

The original therapeutic keto diet consisted roughly of:

• 90% of calories from fat;
• Very low carbohydrate intake;
• Moderate protein.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the diet was widely used in hospitals to treat children with severe epilepsy and proved effective in many cases.

Over time, doctors also noticed an additional effect: many patients experienced significant weight loss while following the diet.

As a result, the keto diet gradually spread beyond medical therapy and became a popular weight-loss and lifestyle diet recommended by many nutritionists, especially after 2010.

However, most large nutrition reviews conclude that while the keto diet can be effective for short-term weight loss, its long-term weight loss results are generally similar to those of balanced, calorie-controlled diets. Moreover, long-term adherence to keto is often associated with potential health risks, including but not limited to:

• nutrient deficiencies;
• increased cholesterol levels;
• digestive problems;
• higher risk of kidney and gallbladder stones;
• possible development of fatty liver.

I know some people who say that after trying many different diets, they have followed keto for more than 30 years, and it is the only diet on which they feel truly well. According to them, it provides sustained energy, reduces hunger, and improves mental clarity. Their main complaint is that maintaining such a diet tends to be more expensive than other eating habits.

They also report that when they eat even a normal portion of pasta, they immediately feel extremely tired, unmotivated, and lacking the energy to carry out simple daily activities.

Interestingly, all of these individuals remain more than 30 kg overweight for years, have had their gallbladder removed, and experience other significant health issues. So, I believe their claimed ‘mental clarity’ is also an important factor to consider.