Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Long-Term Keto Diet May Pose Metabolic Risks
A new study found that feeding mice a keto diet for a long time (months) caused problems like fatty liver and blood sugar issues.
Other studies also found potential long-term risks.
Doctors say be careful if you're thinking of using the keto diet for a long time, and get checked regularly.
New study shows long-term keto diet can lead to fatty liver disease and impaired insulin response in mice
Fatty liver, blood sugar dysregulation, and pancreatic stress were observed in mice fed a high-fat, low-carb diet for months
Other studies suggest potential long-term risks include liver and cardiovascular stress, kidney problems, and cellular aging
Not all studies agree; some show benefits with no major side effects
Experts recommend caution, regular monitoring, and medical supervision for long-term keto diet use
- Who
- Lab mice in a study by University of Utah Health
- What
- Developed health issues after being fed a ketogenic diet for months
- When
- After several months on the diet
- Where
- In lab experiments
- Why
- To study the long-term effects of the keto diet
Long-Term Keto Diet Risks
Potential Benefits and Mixed Evidence
Fatty Liver and Metabolic Issues
Long-Term Keto Diet Risks
Study found long-term keto diet can lead to fatty liver disease and impaired insulin response in mice
Potential Benefits and Mixed Evidence
Other studies show improvements in weight, triglycerides, LDL, and glucose with no major side effects
- Diet
- Very-high-fat, very-low-carb (ketogenic)
- Duration
- Months (equivalent to years in human lifespan)
- Observed Issues
- Fatty liver, blood sugar dysregulation, pancreatic stress
- Potential Long-Term Risks
- Liver and cardiovascular stress, kidney problems, cellular aging
- Study Duration
- 24 weeks (human study)
- Monitoring
- Regular checks for liver function, blood lipids, glucose regulation, and kidney health