EASO ‘approval’
Dr. Busetto pointed out that, based on this evidence, the OMTF proposed the development of standards to be included in the EASO guidelines, since there had been no specific recommendation on the very-low-calorie ketogenic diet.
“The main objective of these European guidelines was to provide data referenced by scientific evidence and to suggest a common protocol for the use of this dietary strategy,” he added.
For this, a very exhaustive meta-analysis was carried out, researching all the publications that compared the very-low-calorie ketogenic diet with other diets. The results showed the superiority of the former method for the reduction of body mass index and weight and fat mass, with no difference in lean (muscle) mass, despite significant weight loss in these patients.
This evidence also demonstrates a reduction and an improvement in metabolic markers, specifically glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism.
“The final conclusions of the study corroborate that the very-low-calorie ketogenic diet can be recommended as an effective and safe tool for people with obesity, especially those with severe obesity or comorbidities (joint disease, preoperative period to bariatric surgery, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases) who need immediate, substantial weight loss. In addition, it can be prescribed to specific groups of patients with obesity after considering potential contraindications and under medical follow-up,” said Dr. Busetto.
In Dr. Busetto’s opinion, it would be convenient to refer to this approach as a method, instead of as a diet, “because, in reality, the state of ketosis is limited in time, and if the ketogenic phase is stopped without a continuity plan, obviously weight is regained. In addition, the method approach may increase adherence by patients.”
Finally, Dr. Busetto emphasized the importance of integrating this type of treatment into a long-term lifestyle strategy (including habits, exercise, and nutritional advice). “We must start from the basis that obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease, whose management should also be chronic and probably maintained throughout life.”
Dr. Crujeiras and Dr. Busetto have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. PronoKal Group has recently become part of Nestlé Health Science.
A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com. It was translated from Medscape Spanish Edition.