Ketogenic Diet
A very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that induces ketosis, causing the body to burn fat for fuel.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan that shifts your body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Foods like bread, rice, pasta, and sugar are severely restricted, while meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, and oils make up most meals. It can lead to rapid initial weight loss, partly due to water loss and reduced appetite.
Medical
Clinical Definition
A ketogenic diet typically provides less than 50 g of carbohydrate per day (or approximately 5-10% of total energy), with fat contributing 70-80% and protein 15-25%. Carbohydrate restriction depletes hepatic glycogen, triggering ketogenesis — the production of ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, acetone) from fatty acids. Ketones serve as alternative fuel for the brain and suppress ghrelin, contributing to appetite reduction. Evidence supports short-term efficacy for weight loss, though long-term sustainability and cardiovascular safety remain areas of active research.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
While the ketogenic diet can be effective for short-term weight loss, it requires medical supervision due to potential side effects including nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and elevated LDL cholesterol in some individuals. Dr. Joseph Wang at Accord Medical can guide patients on whether this approach is suitable for their specific health profile.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.