Comparison of the Effect of Ketogenic and Low-Calorie Diets on Weight Loss in Iranian Obese and Overweight Children

Introduction: Overweight and obesity have increased in prevalence over the last two decades in many developed and developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to compare the weight reduction effects of Ketogenic and low- calorie diets on overweight and obesity among Iranian children. Methods: Seventy-six overweight or obese children aged 9-16 years recruited from the Nutritional Clinic of outpatient Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, were randomly assigned into two groups of low-calorie diet (n=38) and Ketogenic diet (n=38). Both groups were treated for 3 months and followed up weekly. Fasting lipid profiles, blood sugar, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and weight were measured. Body fat percentage was measured using bioimpedance analysis (Tanita body composition analyzer, BC-418, Japan) in each visit. Results: Both Ketogenic and low-calorie diets reduced obesity indices, including body fat percentage, and improved lipid profiles (P<0.05). Changes in body weight and body mass index did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). However, low-calorie diet had more potential beneficial effect on body fat percentage and lipid profile than Ketogenic diet (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that Ketogenic diet did not have any remarkable effects on weight loss, compared to low-calorie diet. It seems that both diets had similar effects on weight loss in overweight and obese children. The findings revealed that low-calorie diet had more potential beneficial effect on body fat percentage and lipid profile than Ketogenic diet.