Prolonged Keto Diet Might Negatively Affect Your Body’s Health

A new study from the University of Utah Health, published in Science Advances, reveals that while the ketogenic diet can help prevent weight gain, it may also cause serious long-term metabolic issues. The research, conducted on mice, found that maintaining a keto diet for extended periods led to fatty liver disease and poor blood sugar control—especially in males,according to Neuroscience.

The ketogenic diet, known for its high-fat and low-carbohydrate approach, was originally designed to treat epilepsy by inducing ketosis, a state where the body uses fat-derived ketones instead of glucose for energy. In recent years, it has become popular for weight loss and managing conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, this new research suggests the benefits may not last if the diet is followed long-term.

The study, led by Dr. Molly Gallop and Dr. Amandine Chaix, placed male and female mice on four diet plans, including a traditional ketogenic diet and a Western-style high-fat diet. After several months, mice on the keto diet gained less weight than others but developed significant metabolic strain. The fat that was not burned for energy accumulated in the liver, causing fatty liver disease and elevated blood lipid levels.

Male mice were particularly vulnerable, showing severe liver damage, while female mice displayed partial resistance to fat buildup. Researchers plan to investigate why females responded differently in future studies.

The team also discovered problems with blood sugar regulation. Although keto-fed mice initially showed low glucose and insulin levels, their bodies overreacted when carbohydrates were reintroduced, causing dangerously high blood sugar spikes. This imbalance was linked to stressed pancreatic cells that struggled to produce insulin properly.

Encouragingly, some of these negative effects were reversible once the mice returned to a regular diet, indicating potential recovery if the diet is discontinued. Still, the findings underscore the need for caution and medical supervision before committing to a long-term ketogenic lifestyle.

According to Dr. Gallop, while short-term benefits of keto are real, the long-term consequences on metabolic health are still poorly understood. She advises individuals to consult healthcare professionals before following the diet for extended periods.