Kylie Drake, Anthony Zapata
Emma Federman
Anneliese Brown

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Title:

Restrictive Fat Consumption and Improper Maintenance of Ketosis Within the Ketogenic Diet Causes Cancer

Abstract:

The well-known “keto” diet is commonly used as a weight-loss method by consumption of high saturated and unsaturated fats and low carbohydrates, with the goal of using the breakdown of proteins and fats as energy rather than breakdown of glucose and carbohydrates. This process is called “ketosis”, in which the breakdown of fats produces ketones which can be used as fuel for the body. While there are positive benefits to the ketogenic diet, if ketosis is not properly achieved and maintained through consumption of unsaturated fats, then this commonly used weight-loss method can lead to increased risk of developing cancer. Research has shown that the correlation coefficients for mortality between high fat diets and several forms of cancer all exceed 0.6. Additionally, increased trans-fat intake is associated with 6% higher all-cause mortality, including deaths caused by cancer. This shows that the quantity of fat intake is not detrimental to one’s risk of developing cancer, rather the type of fat consumed, specifically saturated and trans-fats, is the correlative agent. The combination of eating unhealthy fats and the inability to properly maintain ketosis highlights the difficulty of the ketogenic diet. In light of these unsustainable conditions, we propose that this evidence must be emphasized to change social perceptions of the diet in order to educate the public on the dangerous side effects of this form of weight loss. Additionally, more accessible public health and nutritional initiatives need to be provided that show the importance of healthy and balanced eating.