ketogenic diet

American  

[kee-toh-jen-ik dahy-it] / ˌki toʊˈdʒɛn ɪk ˈdaɪ ɪt /

noun

1. a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that causes the breakdown of fats into ketone bodies, which consequently replace carbohydrates as the body’s main source of energy: used as a regimen for weight loss, the ketogenic diet is also used to control certain medical disorders or episodes, especially epileptic seizures in children.

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Etymology

Origin of ketogenic diet

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The ketogenic diet gets its name from ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body switches from using sugar as its main fuel to burning fat.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

The secretary also recently declared that the ketogenic diet can cure schizophrenia, a fringe idea that has been rejected by every expert in the field.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Although the ketogenic diet was first developed as a treatment for epilepsy, it has become widely popular in recent years for weight loss and for managing conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

"The ketogenic diet was definitely not protective in the sense of fatty liver disease," Chaix added.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

The ketogenic diet also produced unexpected effects on blood sugar regulation.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026