The Effect of Different Ketogenic Diet Patterns on the Health Status of Obese Rats: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of various ketogenic diets—Classic Ketogenic Diet, Modified Atkins Diet, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Diet, and Low-Glycemic Index Treatment—on weight loss, lipid profiles, liver and kidney function, as well as their impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and certain hormones in obese rats. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups, with one serving as a negative control that was fed a standard diet while the others were fed a high-fat diet for nine weeks to induce obesity. Afterwards, the obese rats were categorized into five groups: one continued on a standard diet as a positive control, while the others followed different ketogenic diets for six weeks, maintaining a standardized caloric intake. Results showed that rats on ketogenic diets had significant weight loss, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced liver and kidney functions compared to the positive control group. There were also reductions in the oxidative stress marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), alongside increases in cortisol and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. These findings suggest that ketogenic diets provide several benefits for weight management and metabolic health. However, the increase in cortisol levels raises concerns about potential stress effects, highlighting the need for careful application in clinical settings. Further research is needed to assess long-term safety and relevance to human health.