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
Cloud Bread People who are following a low-carbohydrate or a ketogenic diet for medical purposes, like epilepsy, may consider cloud bread.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025
While carb cycling may work well in traditional low-carbohydrate diets, people following very low-carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may not be able to incorporate high-carbohydrate days.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 15 Oct. 2024
High fat, high protein, and low-sugar ketogenic diets caught on.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Among those who diet, the most popular method is low-carb or no-carb (16%), which could include the ketogenic diet—a low-carb, high-fat approach with moderate levels of protein.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024
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Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025
While carb cycling may work well in traditional low-carbohydrate diets, people following very low-carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may not be able to incorporate high-carbohydrate days.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 15 Oct. 2024
High fat, high protein, and low-sugar ketogenic diets caught on.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Among those who diet, the most popular method is low-carb or no-carb (16%), which could include the ketogenic diet—a low-carb, high-fat approach with moderate levels of protein.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024
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 14 Mar. 2025.
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