Long-Term Keto Diet Linked to Fatty Liver Disease in Study

A recent study from the University of Utah has raised concerns about the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet, suggesting that it may lead to serious metabolic health issues. Researchers found that while the diet initially promotes weight loss, it can ultimately result in conditions such as fatty liver disease, glucose intolerance, and high cholesterol levels. Their findings were published in the journal Science Advances in March 2025.

The ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate intake and high fat consumption, has gained popularity for its purported benefits in weight loss and management of certain medical conditions. The diet works by shifting the body’s energy source from glucose derived from carbohydrates to ketones produced from stored fat. This metabolic state, known as ketosis, is thought to help control epilepsy and assist in weight management.

In their year-long study, the research team fed male and female mice a diet comprising approximately 89.9 percent fat. They compared these mice with cohorts on a low-fat diet, a standard high-fat diet, and a low-fat, moderate-protein diet. While the mice on the ketogenic diet lost weight initially, significant negative health effects emerged over time.

The study revealed alarming results: mice on the ketogenic diet developed fatty liver disease, a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, alongside extreme glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia, characterized by high levels of fats in the blood. Additionally, these mice exhibited low insulin levels and signs of insulin sensitivity dysfunction.

According to Molly R. Gallop, one of the study’s authors, “While our findings show that a ketogenic diet both prevents and causes weight loss, it does not lead to permanent reductions in body weight and, thus, should not be treated as a ‘cure’ for obesity or diabetes.” The research emphasizes the need for caution regarding the long-term use of the ketogenic diet, particularly in light of its potential to worsen glucose intolerance and impair insulin secretion over time.

The study authors noted that while some of the negative effects associated with the ketogenic diet might be reversible, others could persist, highlighting the complexity of its long-term impact on metabolic health. “The vision of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for metabolic disease should be questioned even if initial improvements in health are observed,” the researchers stated.

It is essential to approach these findings with caution, as the study was conducted on mice and may not directly translate to human health. Further research is needed to understand the implications for individuals following the ketogenic diet and to explore the balance between its benefits and risks.

As health enthusiasts and professionals continue to debate the merits of various dietary approaches, the findings from the University of Utah serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in nutrition and its effects on long-term health.

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