The Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Selected Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review of Literature Published between 2020 and 2026

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The ketogenic diet has gained increasing attention as a potential nutritional strategy in the management of metabolic syndrome.

Aim: This narrative review aimed to analyze publications from 2020 to 2026 to assess the impact of the ketogenic diet on selected components of metabolic syndrome.

Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Original studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials published in English and in Polish between 2020 and 2026 were included. The search strategy used combinations of keywords related to the ketogenic diet, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension.

Results: The available evidence does not allow for an unequivocal assessment of the effect of the ketogenic diet on selected parameters of metabolic syndrome. Short-term benefits were observed in body weight reduction, glycemic control and some aspects of lipid metabolism. However, no significant effect was consistently demonstrated for blood pressure reduction or lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Some studies even suggested potentially adverse effects on lipid metabolism in specific patient subgroups.

Conclusions: The ketogenic diet may serve as an adjunctive strategy in the management of metabolic syndrome, particularly regarding body weight reduction, glycemic control and lowering triglyceride levels. Nevertheless, further studies are required to evaluate its long-term effects and safety.

Keywords: Ketogenic diet; metabolic syndrome; type 2 diabetes mellitus; abdominal obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia