Keto Diet for Weight Loss: Dr. Chris Palmer
Ketogenic Diet & Weight Loss
The ketogenic diet, often associated with weight loss, is primarily about inducing a state of ketosis, which mimics the fasting state.
This can be achieved through various means, including fasting, intermittent fasting, and carbohydrate restriction.
Dr. Palmer emphasized that the diet is not necessarily about the specific foods consumed, but rather the state of ketosis itself.
When prescribing the ketogenic diet, the expert considers several factors, including the patient’s current weight, symptoms, and willingness to adhere to the plan.
For obese patients, the focus is typically on carbohydrate restriction, allowing them to tap into their existing fat stores. In contrast, thinner individuals may require a higher fat intake to achieve and maintain ketosis.
The expert also addressed the controversy surrounding different types of fats, noting that while the American Heart Association may consider coconut oil or cream unhealthy, the epidemiological evidence linking saturated fats to adverse outcomes is limited.
Ultimately, Dr. Palmer encourages a wide range of fats, depending on the individual’s preferences and needs.
Objective biomarkers, such as measuring ketones, play a crucial role in monitoring and adjusting the diet based on the level of ketosis and desired clinical benefits.
For individuals without severe psychiatric conditions, simply restricting carbohydrates may be sufficient to experience improvements in energy levels and overall well-being.
However, for those with serious mental disorders, such as chronic depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, the expert strongly recommends working with a medical professional.
In these cases, the ketogenic diet should be approached with the same level of care and supervision as if treating epilepsy.
Medications may need to be adjusted, and the diet should be fine-tuned with the help of experienced dietitians who can monitor nutrient deficiencies and provide guidance on meal planning.
Semaglutide and GLP-1 Medications in Treating Obesity
In recent years, a new class of drugs, initially developed to treat diabetes, is now being evaluated for their efficacy in treating obesity. These drugs, known as semaglutide and other GLP-1 related compounds, adjust the way glucose and insulin manage energy in the body and brain, leading to weight loss.
While Palmer acknowledges that the early studies show promising results in terms of weight loss over a year or two, he expresses concern that these drugs may not be addressing the root cause of obesity.
Palmer argues that obesity is a symptom of metabolic derangement in the body or brain, and that simply treating the symptom with a medication may not address all the negative health consequences associated with obesity.
He emphasizes the need to identify and address the underlying causes of metabolic derangement, which he believes may be related to mitochondrial health and function.
Drawing parallels to previous weight loss drugs like fenfen and dexedrine, Palmer points out that while these drugs were effective in the short term, they often led to addiction and other problems.
He also notes that attempting to manipulate human metabolism using a single man-made molecule has rarely proven to be beneficial for large numbers of people in the long run.
Instead of relying solely on medications, Palmer advocates for a holistic approach to treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, which includes lifestyle changes such as adopting a ketogenic or low-carb diet, exercising regularly, and getting good sleep.
He believes that this approach is more likely to result in better health outcomes than simply controlling the condition with a molecule, even if it is a natural one like insulin.
Other Posts from this Episode
Ketogenic Diet: Treating Epilepsy and Mental Health
Ketogenic Diet: Boosting Mitochondrial Health
Ketogenic Diet: An Aid for Alcoholism?
Keto Diet: An Ally in Alzheimer’s Treatment
Keto Diet: How It Affects Women’s Hormones & Fertility
Keto Drinks vs. Keto Diet: Dr. Chris Palmer