With obesity rates on the rise in Kenya, the focus is fast shifting towards healthy meals and effective ways to cut down weight. Putting a stop or significantly reducing intake of fat has for a long time been linked to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and a host of other lifestyle diseases. However, according to latest studies, this is not the case.

Recent studies recommend eating foods with high-fat content and rich in proteins while drastically reducing the intake of carbohydrates. This type of diet that accelerates the fat burning process in the body is referred to as Ketogenic. Those under this type of diet are encouraged to eat eggs, sausages, meat, fish, butter, oil, seeds, vegetables like kale and nuts. They are also to observe low daily intake of carbohydrates usually between 0 to 30 grams.

According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, overweight and obesity prevalence is high in women aged between15-69 years. When you are overweight/obese your bodyweight exceeds a recommended BMI value of 24.9. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show women aged 40-49 years are the most obese at 48 percent while those aged 15-19 years have a prevalence rate of 12.2 percent.

Benefits of Ketogenic diet
This form of lifestyle is very instrumental in improving blood sugar control and helping in the reversal and management of type 2 diabetes. Ketogenic is currently recommended by some doctors in Kenya especially here at Afyaplanet and elsewhere in the world because of its health benefits, especially for weight loss. Researches show that when patients go on a ketogenic diet, they lose weight faster compared to those on a low-fat diet.

The diet is not only beneficial in addressing obesity but is also good in the treatment of leprosy in children. There is growing evidence that the Ketogenic diet reduces seizures in children and works just as medication for the condition does.

Why the diet might fail
While the diet is very instrumental in taming high obesity prevalence rates in the country, following the diet has not been easy for many patients. Sometimes patients will indulge in lots of unhealthy foods like heavy intake of meat, processed and salty foods. Other patients also limit their recommended vegetable and healthy fats intake.

Doctor’s supervision
Because of its dietary limitations, individuals are encouraged to seek supervision from a doctor here at Afyaplanet to help them adapt to this revolutionary diet. The presence of a doctor in the process is critical to help patients monitor and advice on nutritional needs for different individuals.