Keto diet warning: Study reveals dangers of long-term keto diet

The ketogenic diet, better known as the keto diet, has soared in popularity for its promise of rapid weight loss and improved health by cutting carbohydrates to a minimum and relying on fat as the primary energy source. But new research published in Science Advances raises concerns about its long-term effects. In a study on mice, scientists found that prolonged adherence to a high-fat, low-carb diet led to glucose intolerance, fatty liver, and signs of cardiovascular problems. While short-term use may offer benefits and even medical applications such as epilepsy treatment, experts caution that extended use could carry hidden risks.

Dangers of keto diet: Know what the study found

Researchers at Earlham College in Indiana and the University of Utah placed mice on four types of diets for about eight months, roughly equivalent to decades in human time. While mice on keto weighed less than those on a Western-style diet, troubling health markers emerged. They had excess fat in their blood, a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, and male mice showed signs of fatty liver. More concerning, their insulin-producing cells struggled to release insulin, leaving them unable to properly process sugar.

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Nutritious foods you can enjoy on the keto diet

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Keto diet: Why it matters for humans

The study’s findings suggest that keto’s benefits may come with significant trade-offs when followed long term. Although the diet is still prescribed for epilepsy patients and can help overweight adults shed pounds, its extreme fat to carb ratio, often up to 90 percent fat, is far from a balanced nutritional profile. Researchers warn that these health complications, especially related to glucose regulation and liver health, could potentially translate to humans.

Experts emphasise that people pursuing the keto diet should do so under medical guidance. Side effects like elevated blood fats, kidney strain, and digestive issues are already recognised, and the new study highlights possible long-term metabolic problems. Johns Hopkins neurologist Tanya McDonald notes that outside of specific medical contexts, most people should avoid strict keto without regular monitoring.

A possible silver lining

Interestingly, the study also showed that the negative effects were not permanent. When mice were taken off the diet, their glucose regulation improved. This suggests that any keto-related issues may be reversible if the diet is discontinued. Still, experts stress that the findings are a warning: a short-term keto plan may be safe, but sticking to it for years could put long-term health at risk.