Ketogenic Diets Suppress Appetite Despite Weight Loss

Ketosis may explain why appetite is not increased despite weight loss in obese patients. A review of evidence supports that ketogenic diets suppress appetite despite weight loss. Alice Gibson, of the University of Sydney in Camperdown, Australia, performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that evaluated appetite before and during adherence to very-low-energy diets (VLEDs) and ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets (KLCDs). Visual analog scales were used to assess appetite in energy balance (before dieting) and while in ketosis (during dieting). The researchers found that individuals on VLEDs had less hunger and greater fullness/satiety. Those on KLCDs had less hunger and reduced desire to eat. Whereas energy restriction typically increases appetite in obese people, individuals on ketogenic diets experienced small absolute reductions in appetite. Individuals on ketogenic diets may feel slightly less hungry, or more full or satisfied, despite weight loss. The authors write, “Ketosis appears to provide a plausible explanation for this suppression of appetite.”–  Nov 17, 2014 in Obesity Reviews DOI: 10.1111/obr.12230