The ketogenic diet focuses on eating high-fat foods, moderate amounts of protein, and few carbohydrates, which encourages the body to enter a special metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body shifts from using sugar for energy to using ketones, which come from fat.

A major advantage of the ketogenic diet is its effectiveness for weight loss. By cutting down on carbohydrates, the body begins to use its fat stores for energy, which leads to weight loss. But weight loss is just one of the possible benefits. The impact of a ketogenic diet is being explored in several health conditions.