[52-6F-62]

There should usually be some caution attached to comments about going keto/fat-centric.

High fat diets, while energy dense and more satiating, can be responsible for increased cholesterol, or worse, pancreatitis. Having recently fallen into that latter camp I’ve become acutely aware of that side of my eating habits.

I’m also a keto counterpoint. Because of my fat-restrictive diet I’ve lost a great deal of weight the past two months. At first because I was struggling to even keep up with my coalition requirements but even still. I’ve increased my carb and protein intake to make sure I’m getting enough calories while I aim for no more than 30-40g of fat a day. (Fat content of about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil)

I’m 5’11 and in May I was ~220-225lbs and I’m currently 188 (Mind you over 2 weeks at my most sick I lost a lot of muscle as well).

I continue to lose weight at a slow but regular pace on this diet.

Calorie restriction is likely the main contributor in my case—made easier by not underestimating the energy content in higher-fat foods.

[olingern]

Genetics and medical complications should absolutely be deciding factors in lifestyle changes.

The notes about cholesterol and pancreatitis are, to my knowledge, not factors in people who properly follow the diet, i.e. 70% fats composed of mostly poly/mono unsaturated fats and sparing saturated (bacon, etc.). If you can cite a large scale study that demonstrates this, I would read it.

Five years in, my blood work is amazing.

[52-6F-62]

High fat diets are long known risk factors in the development in pancreatitis and high cholesterol. So much so that I don’t think I should have to cite any specific study. The rest of my comment will speak to pancreatitis with which I have actual experience.

Types of fats have no weight in that discussion. “Good fat” not “bad fat”—it doesn’t matter. It has to do with the work imposed on the pancreas in a high fat diet.

I should clarify that a high fat diet is not a direct indicator of future pancreatic issues, but is one of several leading risk factors.

I’d highly recommend going over the diet with a doctor before undertaking it to make sure there are no preconditions that might make a high fat diet put too much strain on the pancreas. It’s known as the “angry organ” for a reason.

I was on a high fat/high protein/low carb diet with plenty of gym time before possibly unrelated inflammation exacerbated by my diet (and since I was a drinker, that as well) in my pancreas resulted in a massive acute attack that caused partial organ death. That’ll be with me for life since transplants don’t sound like a great option for most cases. (Even worse, pancreatic issues can harm surrounding organs including the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Not something any active person would want to have to live with)

Prior to the attack my blood work was brilliant as well. After the attack my lipase levels were high, my white blood cell count was through the roof, and I was anemic (though I had always fluctuated hemoglobin levels with B12 deficiency, but never so low).

The worst part is you won’t see or feel it coming, and it will hit you like a brick wall. So my comments are only meant as precautionary—which I think is always the best course with any fad diets.