Role Of A Ketogenic Diet On Body Composition, Physical Health, Psychosocial Well Being And Sports Performance In Athletes A Scoping Review

Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of 12 studies to understand how ketogenic diets (eating less than 5% of calories from carbohydrates) affect athletes' body composition, health, mental well-being, and sports performance. This type of very low-carb, high-fat diet forces the body to burn fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, a metabolic state called ketosis.

The review found clear benefits for body composition - athletes following ketogenic diets consistently lost body weight and fat mass. The diet also improved the body's ability to burn fat for energy, which could be advantageous for endurance activities. However, the effects on athletic performance were mixed, with some studies showing improvements and others showing decreased performance, particularly in high-intensity activities that rely heavily on quick bursts of energy.

Regarding overall health, the results were complicated. While athletes reported improved well-being after the first two weeks of following the diet, there were some concerning effects on gut bacteria diversity and iron metabolism. The researchers noted that athletes experienced an adjustment period, with benefits to mood and energy levels only appearing after the initial transition phase.

The authors concluded that while ketogenic diets show promise for weight management and fat burning in athletes, more research is needed before making definitive recommendations. For patients interested in metabolic health, this suggests that ketogenic approaches may offer body composition benefits but should be implemented carefully with medical supervision, especially for those who are physically active or have specific performance goals.