Ketogenic Diet IF-Philippine Lipid Society Consensus-Statement-20191108v4
Ketogenic Diet IF-Philippine Lipid Society Consensus-Statement-20191108v4
Ketogenic Diet IF-Philippine Lipid Society Consensus-Statement-20191108v4
MODERATORS:
Globally overweight and obesity prevalence have been steadily rising over the
years and reaching epidemic proportions due to urbanization, globalization, changes
in dietary habits and a decrease in physical activity brought about by easy access to
basic needs.
In 2016, global data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that
among adults aged 18 years old and older, 39% were overweight and 13% were obese
as seen in more than 1.9 billion adults. Obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.1 In the
Philippines, data from the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS) that started
since 1993 showed that prevalence of overweight and obese doubled for the past 20
years from 16.6% in 1993 to 31.1% in 2013.2 Obesity, if not addressed, is closely linked
to the development of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome3,4 which
ultimately lead to cardiovascular events and even death at an early age.
Fad diets have become common solutions to getting to the ultimate goal of
achieving ideal body weight through weight reduction. In recent years, both
intermittent fasting (IF) and ketogenic diet (KD) have become increasingly popular
dietary trends for Filipinos. Media in all platforms have been instrumental in
propagating the popularity, and perception of the effectiveness and safety of these
two diet regimens.
KD and IF diets are common topics in public fora and much confusion centers
on different versions offered, raising concerns for safety. The aim of this group is to
release a community-based expression of consensus statements regarding KD and IF
based on available clinical trial evidence.
Definition of Terms
* https://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/
** Diabetes Care 2018 Jan; 41(Supplement 1): S13-S27. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-S002
***https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis
Consensus method:
A group of experts from the various medical societies, nutritionists, dietitians and the
lay convened to come up with consensus statements on the burning on the use of KD
and IF for weight reduction. The group gathered pieces of evidence from clinical trials
and from experiences in their respective fields. The moderators collated and
summarized all these evidences to come up with proposed statements and presented
them to the group for consensus voting. The group adapted the Modified Delphi
technique wherein a 75% vote (6 out of 8) was determined to carry out with the
statements. During the process, all the experts agreed on all these recommendations.
A. INTERMITTENT FASTING DIET
Human fasting is defined as the abstinence from all or some food or drinks for a set period of
time. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an interventional strategy in which individuals are subjected to
varying periods of fasting.5 Sometimes called Intermittent Energy Restriction (IER), this
approach to weight loss involves short periods of substantial (>70%) energy restriction (ER)
interspersed with normal eating. 6
Type of IF Description
Alternate-day fasting Alternating feast (ad lib intake) and fast days (≤ 25% of energy
needs)
Time-restricted fasting Eating only during certain time periods (i.e., 8 h), then fasting or
remaining hours of the day
Periodic Fasting Fasting for up to 24 h once or twice a week with ad lib intake on the
remaining days
IF involves eating patterns with little or no energy intake for extended time periods alternating
with periods of normal food intake.
Calorie control through IF has been shown to benefit cardiovascular status, weight reduction,
insulin sensitivity, diabetes control, cognitive function, and cancer prevention among its many
effects in humans in several studies.9
The following diagram9 summarizes how intermittent fasting and caloric restriction produce
beneficial cardiometabolic effects.
INTERMITTENT FASTING
Adverse Effects of IF
In the meta-analysis of Harris et al in 2018 which included six studies of intermittent fasting
ranging from 3-12 months among overweight and obese individuals, no serious adverse events
were reported by the authors. However, three of the six studies reported minor physical and
psychological effects including:
1. headaches
2. reduced energy levels
3. feeling cold
4. constipation
5. light headiness and bad breath
6. lack of concentration
7. pre-occupation with food
8. mood swings
Other Adverse Events of IF
• Most physical and psychological adverse events were more commonly observed among
normal weight individuals in IF than in obese and overweight individuals.
• Additionally, based on a 2011 study of IER, particularly IF, longer average menstrual
cycle length after 6 months on IF were experienced among overweight and obese
women.
• It is important to take note that adverse events of IF in the long term have not been
studied and established.
For obese adult individuals without established ASCVD, IF, particularly alternate day fasting
and modified fasting regimens may be used as a weight loss strategy for 6-12 months.
Most of the studies are on alternate day fasting and modified fasting regimens with very few
studies on time restricted feeding and periodic fasting diet.
Summary of Evidence
IF was more effective for weight reduction, achieving an average weight loss of 4.1 kgs (-6.3 kgs
to 1.99 kg; p ≤0.001). However, there was no difference comparing IF to CER in weight
reduction (-1.03 kg; 95% CI -2.46 kg to 0.40 kg; p = 0.156), with both interventions achieving
weight loss of approximately 7kgs. 10
Other cardiovascular risk factors were also measured such as total cholesterol,
triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure. A non-significant reduction of these
secondary outcomes in IF compared to CER and no calorie restriction was noted.10
Another systematic review showed that the degree and rate of weight loss is
proportional to the number of fast days per week and the amount energy restriction
among those taking the IF diet. Percentage of weight loss is also commensurate to
percentage of visceral fat loss.11 Visceral fat is closely linked to the development of
metabolic syndrome, diabetes and possibly cardiovascular disease which makes it an
important outcome.12 IF also improves insulin sensitivity and responsiveness which
could therefore decrease the risk of development of diabetes mellitus. 11
For adult individuals with T2DM, there are few RCTs and observational clinical outcome
studies supporting the existence of a health benefit from IF on weight reduction. Further
research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended.
For adult individuals with T2DM, IF is not recommended for weight reduction.
For patients using insulin or insulin secretagogues (SU or Glinides), IF is not recommended due
to the risk of hypoglycemia.
For adult individuals with diabetes mellitus on insulin or insulin secretagogues, IF is not
recommended for weight reduction.
Summary of Evidence
There are few small studies that support this statement. A two-week observational study
involving 10 obese diabetic participants showed that IF can significantly decrease weight by 1.4
kgs and improves fasting glucose and postprandial variability.13 A pilot trial involving 63 adult
diabetics who were overweight or obese with no previous ASCVD were randomized to IF (two
days of severe energy restriction (400 to 598 calories/ day) and five days of ad libitum diet) or
moderate CER (seven-day continuous energy restriction of 1195 – 1554 calories/day). After 12
weeks, both diets showed a similar but significant reduction of both Hba1c (-0.7 ± 0.9%
P<0.001) and weight (99 ± 14kg to 93 ± 13kg; P<0.001).14
However, another RCT involving a smaller population showed a two-fold increase of
hypoglycemia during fasting days in those who were on a 5:2 IF diet despite adjustment of
doses of insulin and sulfonylureas.15
3. Adults who are overweight or obese with established ASCVD
For individuals with a history of ASCVD, no clinical controlled trials exist to support the use of
IF for weight reduction. Further research in humans is needed before its use can be
recommended.
For obese and overweight adult individuals with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular
disease, IF is not recommended for weight reduction.
Summary of Evidence
There is no available evidence for this population.
B. KETOGENIC DIET
KD is defined by a low carbohydrate and high fat content diet. It was first used by Dr.
Russel Wilder from the Mayo clinic for treatment of epilepsy in 1921 with weight loss
an observed side effect. Sources of fats used for this diet are depicted in the table
below.
Types of KD
1. Classical KD is defined as <130 g carbohydrate per day or less than 26% of caloric intake by
the American Diabetes Association based on the 2000 kcal/day diet.
Patients on the KD for the treatment of epilepsy can have food sources of fats included in the
list below. However, this is based on the computed diet by a Registered Dietitian.
Emphasis is focused on the unsaturated fats, while food that are high are in saturated fat are
proportionately included in the meat plan such as animal meat.
SATURATED FATS UNSATURATED FATS
( FROM ANIMAL FOOD SOURCES ) ( FROM VEGETABLE FOOD SOURCES )
All animal meat MONOUNSATURATED FATS
Suet (found in kidneys and loins of Avocado
beef , sheep and other animals) Canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil
Lard ( pig fat) Cashew ,peanuts, pistachio ,hazel nut
Beef Tallow Olives
Butter , cheese Peanut butter
Chocolate , cocoa butter non hydrogenated margarine
poultry
Coconut oil , Palm oil
Cream
POLYUNSATURATED FATS
Hydrogenated oils
Almonds, pecans, walnuts
Stick margarine Flaxseed , pine nuts
Shortening corn oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil
Whole milk soft margarine, mayonnaise
OMEGA 3 FAT
Ocean fish ( salmon , mackerel, tuna,
herring)
Shellfish
Soy foods
Walnuts
Wheat germ
Some vegetables(
spinach,broccoli,lettuce)
TRANS FATS
Margarine( hard stick)
Cake , cookies,dougnuts,crackers, chips
Meat and dairy products
Hydrogenated peanut butter
shortening
Reference:
Claudio, Dirige, Jamorabo Ruiz, Basic Nutrition for Filipinos Fifth Edition
3. Greater metabolic efficiency in consuming fats highlighted by the reduction in the resting
respiratory quotient (RQ)
▪ RQ indicates which macronutrient is being metabolized (RQ can be used as an
indicator of over or underfeeding). Underfeeding, which forces the body to
utilize fat stores, will lower the respiratory quotient while overfeeding, which
causes lipogenesis, will increase it. Underfeeding is marked by a respiratory
quotient below 0.85, while a respiratory quotient greater than 1.0 indicates
overfeeding.)
▪ RQ of 0.7 means that fats or lipids are more metabolized.
Minor adverse effects are commonly reported in studies of ketogenic diets for weight loss.
These include:
Short Term
1. constipation
2. headache
3. halitosis
4. muscle cramps
5. diarrhea
6. general weakness
7. rash
Long Term
1. disruptions in lipid metabolism
2. severe hepatic steatosis
3. hypoproteinemia
4. mineral deficiencies
5. increase redox imbalance
6. cardiomyopathy
7. nephrolithiasis
Statements on the use of KD for weight reduction on the following individuals:
For obese adult individuals without established ASCVD, ketogenic diet for 12-24 months has
been shown to be associated with weight reduction.
Currently, there is not enough evidence on the effect of KD on normal weight and overweight
individuals on weight reduction.
Summary of Evidence
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving adult obese individuals assigned to
low fat diet (ie, restricted energy diet with <30% of energy of fat) or very low carbohydrate
ketogenic diets (ie, a diet with no more than 50 g carbohydrates/d or 10 % of daily energy from
carbohydrates) for a period of 12 months or more showed a significantly greater weight loss
among those in the KD group \by almost 1 kg (95% CI – 1.65, - 0.17 kg), p= 0.02, I2 – 0%, p for
heterogeneity = 0.47). There were significant decreases in triglycerides, LDL-C and diastolic
blood pressure while HDL-C significantly increased. 18
Due to the issue of adherence to diet in trials, a small study of 17 male volunteers with BMI
between 25 to 35 kg/m2 was carried out under close supervision. Volunteers were confined to a
metabolic ward for a period of four weeks. KD showed weight loss of 2.20.3 kg for 28 days
mostly attributed to body water loss. Loss of total body fat was only 0.5 0.2 kgs.19 The longest
study involving morbidly obese adults showed a significant weight loss of 12 kgs coupled by a
significant decrease in triglycerides, LDL-C and fasting blood glucose with an increase of HDL-C
with no reported adverse events in subjects after 24 weeks on KD.20
For adult individuals with T2DM, there are few small RCTs and observational clinical outcome
studies supporting the existence of a health benefit from KD on weight reduction. Further
research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended.
For adult individuals with diabetes mellitus, KD is not recommended for weight reduction.
For patients using insulin or insulin secretagogues (SU or Glinides), KD is not recommended
due to the risk of hypoglycemia.
For adult individuals with diabetes mellitus on insulin or insulin secretagogues, KD is not
recommended for weight reduction.
For patients using SGLT2-inhibitors, KD is not recommended due to the added risk of diabetic
ketoacidosis.
Summary of Evidence
Multiple cohort studies comparing KD with other diet regimens (ie, plate method diet,
low calorie diet, moderate-carbohydrate, calorie restricted low fat diet) in
overweight and obese adult individuals with T2DM showed that those on KD had more
significant weight loss and greater HbA1c reduction. These trials range from four
month to 32 months in duration. More weight loss was seen the longer the duration of
the KD. 21, 22, 23
There were few reported adverse events on the first two weeks on KD which were
asthenia, headache, nausea and vomiting; while a few reported constipation and
orthostatic hypotension after four months. 23
In another study, a significant increase in the LDL-C after one year of nutritional
ketosis was noted. Further investigation of the other biomarkers showed an increase
in LDL particle size and a decrease in hsCRP and small LDL particles which are the
atherogenic particles which cause disease. 25
A open label, non-randomized study that included obese diabetic individuals showed
that after one year of nutritional ketosis (mostly of omega-3 and omega-6
polyunsaturated fatty acid) using a continuous care intervention showed no increase
in incidence of metabolic acidosis but with a mean increase in blood urea nitrogen
possibly due to an increase in dietary protein. There were no significant hypoglycemic
events reported probably due to close monitoring by their doctors who were allowed
to adjust insulin and sulfonylurea doses accordingly. In addition, no change in liver,
kidney and thyroid functions were noted after one year of nutritional ketosis with
close monitoring.26
For individuals with prior history of ASCVD, there are no clinical controlled trials on KD on
weight reduction. However, there are population studies that show long term low-
carbohydrate intake is associated with higher mortality. For this high-risk population KD is
not recommended.
Summary of Evidence
Intermittent Fasting
Adult With Type 2 Further research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus
Adult With Further research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended
ASCVD
Ketogenic Diet
Adult With Type 2 Further research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus
Adult With Further research in humans is needed before its use can be recommended.
ASCVD
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prevention: a review of human findings. Translational Research 2014; 164:302–311
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