ketogenic diet
noun
variants
or keto diet
plural ketogenic diets or keto diets
: a diet that supplies large amounts of fats, moderate amounts of proteins, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates and that is undertaken for weight loss or to control seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy
Note: As the body is deprived of carbohydrates in the ketogenic diet, insulin secretion drops and glycogen stores in the body become depleted. The body then enters a state of nutritional ketosis where ketone bodies formed by the metabolism of fatty acids replace glucose as the primary energy source.
A ketogenic diet, says [Robert] Atkins, burns one's fat stores and uses them as a source of fuel.—
Lisa Teresi Harris
Lisa Teresi HarrisThe keto diet can be restrictive and requires that you carefully measure out the various macronutrients—fat, protein and carbohydrates—to keep your body in ketosis and gain the benefits of the diet.—Elaine K. Howley
Elaine K. HowleyThe center offers the latest medical and surgical treatments as well as the ketogenic diet—a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps control seizures in some people.—The New York Times Magazine
The New York Times MagazineExamples of ketogenic diet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The ketogenic diet – an eating plan that emphasizes fat and protein over carbs – has certainly had its fair share of pluses and minuses added to its balance sheet over the years.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2025
The ketogenic diet might be an option for treating certain medical conditions, speeding up initial weight loss, and aiding blood glucose management.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
High cholesterol has long gotten a bad rap for causing poor heart health — but a new study suggests that the low-carb ketogenic diet may not be linked to cardiovascular disease.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Keto supplements claim to induce ketosis without requiring a ketogenic diet.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ketogenic diet
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Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2025
The ketogenic diet might be an option for treating certain medical conditions, speeding up initial weight loss, and aiding blood glucose management.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
High cholesterol has long gotten a bad rap for causing poor heart health — but a new study suggests that the low-carb ketogenic diet may not be linked to cardiovascular disease.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Keto supplements claim to induce ketosis without requiring a ketogenic diet.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ketogenic diet
Cite this Entry
“Ketogenic diet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketogenic%20diet. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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