In recent years, some skepticism has emerged regarding the effectiveness of the keto diet, raising the question: Does keto no longer work? Dr. Eric Westman delves into this concern, examining the roots of such beliefs and reaffirming the diet’s potential benefits.

Back in 2017, the keto diet helped many, including Dr. Becky Gasper's husband, lose significant weight rapidly. The diet offered promising results, not only achieving weight loss but also improving key health markers like inflammatory metrics and HbA1c levels from dangerous to optimal in months.

Dr. Westman points out how many individuals attempting keto today fail to follow the correct regimen. He suggests a lack of understanding about proper implementation, similar to attempting self-taught home projects without proper guidance. This misunderstanding extends to tools and products, like the Lumen breath analyzer, not essential for achieving physiological ketosis.

"The real goal is not measuring ketones but seeing tangible results, such as weight loss or reduced appetite," he emphasizes.

An evident change from past to present is the dilution of the keto diet via burgeoning snack trends and the infiltration of 'keto-like' products into the market. Many embrace these while inadvertently moving away from a strict low-carb protocol, mistakenly assured by marketing tactics advocating 'keto snacks'.

• Real food versus keto processed junk food
• Unnecessary gadgets and their advertised affiliations

One common misconception is that complete carb elimination is necessary for keto efficacy. Dr. Westman clarifies that metabolic flexibility allows for carbohydrate reintroduction post-successful weight loss—signifying a maintained low-carb lifestyle can be less restrictive over time while preventing metabolic syndrome return.

• But cookies aren’t keto: understanding dietary pitfalls

Fears involving cholesterol have historically demonized the keto and other low-carb diets, especially concerning LDL cholesterol. Systematic reviews, cited by Dr. Paul Mason and others, demonstrate a lack—or negative correlation—between LDL levels and mortality, calling for a re-evaluated perspective on typical heart disease risk associated with ketogenic diets.

"Fats other than trans are key, but low-carb diet benefits outweigh these historical concerns," affirms Westman.

To reclaim keto’s positive outcomes, it is crucial that individuals focus on evidence and reliable sources rather than market-driven myths and overly processed alternatives labeled under keto misleadingly.

As with embarking on any health journey, consulting with professionals familiar with its principles ensures steady guidelines towards achieving not only weight objectives but enhanced long-term health values.