The Keto regime has potential in the army, say researchers

The study's ketogenic diets did not contain any caloric restriction, but only indications about what to eat and what to avoid. Carbohydrates have been limited to about 30 to 50 grams per day, with the emphasis being on nuts and non-starchy vegetables. Food was also provided, either for groceries that dieters could use to prepare the meals themselves, either for frozen meals prepared in advance.

Participants in the keto diet were subjected to near daily checks during which they reported ketone measurements from a self-administered finger prick test and received feedback, usually through messages. text, from the research team. Ketosis has been defined as a blood concentration of ketones, chemicals made in the liver, between 0.5 and 5.0 mM (millimolar).

"Based on their readings, we would talk about their food and beverage choices and suggest that they adjust their diets to maintain their ketosis," said lead author Richard LaFountain, a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State.

Both groups, whose schedule included regular resistance training, showed comparable levels of physical performance at the end of the study. It's important because it's hard to lose weight without losing lean muscle and physical function, Volek said.

"We have shown that a group of people with a military affiliation can accept a ketogenic diet and lose weight, including visceral adipose tissue, a type of fat strongly associated with chronic diseases. This could be the first step towards a broader study on the potential benefits of ketogenic nutrition in the Armed Forces, "said Volek, author of Books on the Benefits of Low-Carb Diets and Founder of One Society seeking to help with type 2 diabetes through ketogenic diets and a virtual health care model.

The results of the study are subject to reservations. The group that followed the ketogenic diet chose to be part of the test group, which scientists call self-selection. Studies in which participants are randomized are preferred, but the research team reported wanting to do this pilot study in a group wanting to follow the diet. The keto group also had a higher mean body mass index at the start of the study – 27.9 versus 24.9 in the comparison group – which meant they had more fat to lose.

About seven in ten people who would otherwise be eligible for military service in the United States are considered unfit because of their weight, LaFountain said.

Officers or trainees at military bases could probably maintain a ketogenic diet based on the various foods already offered at typical meals, but other options could be added to support this weight loss strategy, he said. .

Volek added, "The military has described obesity as a national security crisis. One of the potential benefits of this diet in the military is that you can lose weight without having to count calories, which can be difficult to workout or on active duty. In this study, they ate as much as they wanted, they just ate differently.

Vincent Miller, Emily Barnhart, Parker Hyde, Christopher Crabtree, Mathew Beeler, Alex Buga, Teryn Sapper, Jay Short, Madison Bowling, William Kraemer, Orlando Simonetti and Carl Maresh also participated in the study.