Lately, I have been watching a lot of doctors on YouTube hyping up ketogenic diet and the benefits. There are multiple videos explaining the weight loss benefit, the need to eliminate carbs and limit protein. One doctor is literally eating sardines everyday and has thousands of views. Either way, it shows that such diets are easily preached than done. I for one do not wish to eat daily sardines. Yet they video editing, the daily post that are almost the same rhetoric. Nice way for an income stream I will say. Use your credentials and keep repeating the same mantra.
I personally have tried ketogenic dieting and would admit, initial weight loss is awesome. But many get happy to see weight coming off which sadly is mostly water weight. Then the body goes into ketosis. The sudden jolt of low carb caused fatigue in myself. I found myself struggling to exercise. The first few days, my sleep pattern was erratic. Nevermind, heading to the bathroom every hour as known as so called "keto flu." The concept that since glycogen stores are depleted from the liver, more diuresis ensues. I was losing water weight for sure. Luckily, I have access to a bioimpedance scale from my practice that would also show me whether I am having true fat loss or water loss.
But is this a miracle diet that is so hyped up to be. One study even shows that their is increase in mortality with high fat diets such as ketogenic diets. Not good for someone who has cardiovascular risk factors for heart disease. As doctors, we should not give general advice by just telling patients, hey just get rid of your carbs and limit your protein. Also on top of that start intermittent fasting. Obviously, when someone will get rid of all carbs they will start burning fats for energy but their also will be breakdown of muscle mass. As muscles, store glycogen. Not good for many elderly and young. Not good for women who are perimenopausal and postmenopausal. Obviously, the calories will be restricted as is the case for intermittent fasting. With calorie restriction definitely there will be weight loss.
What does evidence state? Calorie restriction in most forms leads to weight loss. Keto is no miracle. Is there a balance needed? Yes. My goal at Crabtree Health is to give patients responsible dieting. One that is achievable and realistic to them. Women in particular who struggle with weight loss have underlying hormonal issues majority of the time that needs correction prior to starting dieting and later making them disappointed that they didn't lose any weight. Men and women both need energy in some carb form to exercise and build muscle mass so that they strengthen themselves to onwards health.
Folks, its great to see doctors expanding themselves out of traditional medicine and making education for the masses. I myself have a YouTube channel under Crabtree Health where I post many videos regarding weight management education. But I am not promoting a one diet fits all phenomenon. The so called lazy keto is another doctor's mantra who repeats it over and over with many views as people are looking for easy ways to lose weight. Although from my experience, ketogenic diet is very restrictive and not easy. He preaches the same lazy formula to his patients.
Weight loss is not so simple as these doctors claims. I have hundreds of patients, I see everyday to prove that. Many give up after dieting, many find it too difficult. Many have hormonal imbalances. Some have stressful jobs. Mom's have kids with dietary needs. Not everyone can afford organic healthy fat foods. As a weight loss specialist, my goal is to give people practical solutions. With monthly visits and hormonal testing, people have a better chance to success. Once hormones are corrected, once vitamin deficiencies are addressed, once the body is in balance, most weight comes off naturally followed by high success with any diet.
I have no tricks up my sleeve. There are no misleading claims. Every person at my practice gets time, detailed planning, monthly checks and hormonal analysis. If medications are indicated, I find no shame in using them but I would like to keep them temporary until weight loss is achieved and my patients have balanced themselves both hormonally and with lifestyle changes. I want my patients to thrive for life. I have written an article, indicating why pharmaceutical industry has no stop date to Wegovy, Ozempic and so on. They think people should spend a thousand dollar every month to lose weight. But they are a business and I am a doctor.
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