Ketogenic Diet Fights Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

A recent study from UC San Diego School of Medicine indicates that a ketogenic dietary therapy shows potential in alleviating symptoms of anorexia nervosa in adults. The small trial involved 22 women, aged 18 to 45, who had a history of the disorder and a BMI of at least 17.5. Participants adhered to a ketogenic diet, comprising 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbohydrates, for 14 weeks with the aim of maintaining weight while achieving nutritional ketosis.

During the study, researchers monitored participants through ketone testing, weekly weight checks, and symptom questionnaires. Among the 18 participants who completed the intervention, significant improvements were observed in areas such as dietary restraint, binge eating, and concerns about eating, shape, and weight. Overall scores on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) improved, with a notable 72% of participants achieving scores in the recovered or normal range by the study's conclusion.

The study authors noted that ketogenic dietary therapy was well-tolerated and demonstrated potential efficacy. Participants' body weights did not change significantly, and importantly, no BMI fell below the 17.5 threshold. Those who continued the ketogenic therapy for three months post-intervention showed slightly better EDE-Q scores, suggesting sustained benefits. Future research is recommended to replicate these findings in more diverse populations and explore objective assessments of brain function.