The ketogenic diet: a co-therapy in the treatment of mood disorders and obesity - a case report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: There has been a growing interest in the ketogenic diet (KD) due to its suggested therapeutic potential to support numerous chronic diseases. KD is characterized by high amounts of fats and a reduced amount of carbohydrates and protein intake. During following the nutrition protocol, ketones are synthesised, which are the primary source of energy. The elevated concentration of ketones in blood serum inhibits hunger, what leads to reduced body weight. Some authors suggest KD has antidepressant potential and could stabilise mood by affecting neurotransmitters homeostasis in the central nervous system. Material and methods: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of KD on body weight reduction and improvement of mood in the patients with mood disorder diagnosis. To interpret the results of nutritional intervention, the laboratory parameters and structuralised scales and questionnaires were used. Results: After following 4-week therapy, the reduction of body weight, correction of some laboratory measurements and reduction in mood symptoms were noticed. Conclusions: The ketogenic diet affects the anthropometric measurements. However, a variety of simultaneous therapeutic approaches makes impossible determination of the effect on depressive symptoms.