Another important part? Genetics. When I see studies like this, it reiterates the need to assess individuals, as…well…individuals, and not “one big lump of humans.” (Please note that the study analysis I’m about to discuss was NOT published in a peer-reviewed journal, but there’s still some valuable information in it; it just needs to be viewed in that context.)

Essentially, the author assessed the published data on low-carbohydrate ketogenic (aka keto) diets, and analyzed the results of many outcomes, including body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fatness. The bottom line? Regarding body weight, BMI and body fatness, it seems like keto diets had a small benefit for weight loss, but nothing groundbreaking, compared to the control diets. Why?

Here’s my interpretation: while all weight loss programs (including keto diets, low-fat diets, high-protein diets, etc.) will likely result in some level of weight loss simply due to a change in behavioral pattern (more on that in an upcoming blog), assigning a group of people to a “one size fits all” diet (e.g. keto) will result in all different levels of weight loss. As a result, any weight loss results from people who may benefit MOST from the keto diet will be muddled from those who may benefit MOST from a low-fat diet, for example. So, the outcome is that the keto diet study may work “a little,” but that effect is likely due to the fact that all the participants are “on a diet” and not necessarily due to the keto diet itself. I have a hunch that if only those whose genetics indicate they fare better on a high-fat (and not high-carb) diet were included, the weight loss results would be much, much more impressive.

All the more reason to know your genes FIRST, then commit to the hard work…