Myths and Facts About the Keto Diet

The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet originally developed in the 1920s as a medical diet for the treatment of seizures in children. Though still prescribed by doctors to treat epilepsy, the keto diet has become a popular tool for weight loss.

If you’re struggling to reach your goal weight, you may wonder if the keto diet can help you. 

At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, is an obesity medicine specialist who understands the challenges you face when it comes to weight loss. She knows first hand that traditional weight-loss diets don’t work for everyone.

Here, we want to share with you some myths and facts about the keto diet so you can decide if the low-carb, high-fat diet is right for you.

Myth: Everyone follows the same plan

Fact: We customize your keto diet to match your health needs and weight-loss goals. 

There’s this misconception that everyone who follows the keto diet can only eat 20 grams of carbohydrates a day. Yes, the diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, but there are many fat-to-carb variations of the diet.

The number of carb grams you need when following the keto diet depends on your body’s energy requirements, as well as your medical history and the types of foods you like to eat. 

However, the goal of the keto diet is to put your body in ketosis so you’re burning your own fat for energy. In order to get to and stay in ketosis, we like to keep daily carb intake to 50 grams or fewer.

Myth: I can eat as much fat as I want

Fact: The keto diet is a structured plan, not a free-for-all.

Many people turn to low-carb diets for weight loss because there are no limits on the amount of fat you can eat. It’s hard to turn down a weight-loss diet that allows endless amounts of bacon and cheese. 

The goal of the keto diet is to keep your body in that fat-burning state. Eating too many calories, no matter the source, may kick you out of ketosis. While the keto diet includes many high-fat food items, the plan is structured. 

Because the keto diet controls appetite and cravings, you won’t feel the need to overeat.

Myth: I can’t follow the keto diet because I have diabetes

Fact: People with diabetes can safely follow the keto diet under close medical supervision.

According to a 2020 report published in Diabetes Spectrum, very low-carbohydrate diets like the keto diet may help people with diabetes struggling with their weight reach their goals.

We know no single diet works for all, including the keto diet. When you come in for weight-loss help, Dr. Bretal asks about your medical history and conducts a physical so she fully understands your current health concerns and weight-loss goals and can create a plan that works for you. 

Do you want to learn more about the keto diet and how it might help you reach your weight goals? Call our office in Weston, Florida, or click the online booking button to request an appointment with our weight-loss specialist.