Obesity is out of control and on many people's mind, but the keto diet has stuck around more than other fad diets, like "paleo" "Whole 30" and "intermittent fasting."
The ketogenic diet is a strict regimen of low-carb, high-fat foods that forces the body into a state of ketosis — when you burn fat, instead of carbohydrates, for energy.
· Whole30, where dieters cut out sugar, grains, dairy and legumes for 30 days.
· Paleo, modeled after eating habits in the paleolithic era.
· Durkan, a protein-based commercial fad diet.
CONS: Critics say the taxing diet is unrealistic.
PROS: keto dieters claim more energy, better focus and, notably, weight loss.
US News and World Report’s rank of the 40 most popular diets this year, has Keto and Durkan diets last because the keto diet is difficult to maintain and that the high-fat intake could be dangerous for some.
KTRH’s Dr. Joe Galati said the keto diet isn't one-size-fits-all.
“The good is that people are going to lose weight,” said Galati.
He said it’s bad because dieters might be required to cut too many carbs.
“The keto diet is not sustainable. And, in certain individuals that may have underlying diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, it may be potentially dangerous,” said Galati. “This needs to be done in concert with following up with your doctor and probably getting some lab work while you’re on this keto diet.”
Dr. Galati’s radio show “Your Health First” and now his new book, Eating Yourself Sick: How to Stop Obesity, Fatty Liver, and Diabetes from Killing You and Your Family, seek to help people understand the following: Your lifestyle is killing you and your children, but by taking responsibility for the “3 Fs” – family, faith and food – you can turn things around.