236: Keto Diet: Exploring the science and busting the myths

The ketogenic diet is everywhere you look, promoted as a quick way to lose weight.

It seems to tap into something within many of us and comes with the added attraction of appearing to be based in some scientific theory.

There is also the fact that there is evidence that, under proper medical supervision, the low-carb diet can be effective for children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

But is it all it's cracked up to be when it comes to weight loss and could there be some damaging effects?

Keto certainly has a number of high-profile supporters, but there are just as many people warning of the dangers.

In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, Stefan Gates is joined by the London Chair of the British Dietetic Association, Sophie Medlin, to explore the science and bust the myths.

She sets out what a typical keto diet meal plan might look like, how ketosis works, and why the diet is proving so popular.

She also discusses potential risks to gut health, the impact the diet can have on our relationship to food, and concerns about the lack of evidence around its long-term effects.

Sophie also offers some advice on how to establish a sustainably healthy diet.

Sophie Medlin, Consultant Dietitian, Director of City Dieticians, and Chair of the British Dietetic Association for London

Sophie worked for many years in hospitals before moving to a career in academia where she was a lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at King’s College London before leaving to run City Dietitians and work as a consultant. 

In her clinical work, Sophie specialised in managing the nutritional needs of people with intestinal problems. She is considered a leading specialist in the dietary management of bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease and the nutritional management of colostomies and ileostomies. 

Sophie carried this through to her research which focuses on the nutritional consequences of bowel surgery. Her experience in complex nutrition support sees her overseeing the nutritional management of patients with complex feeding needs such as tube feeding and intravenous nutrition support.