A new study has shown that a ketogenic diet, which is a diet high in fats and low in sugars, may help people with bipolar disorder. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that participants who followed this diet for at least six weeks had improvements in their symptoms.
The study involved 20 participants aged between 18 and 70 years old. It suggests that the keto diet could be a new way to treat bipolar disorder. At the start of the study, 70.3% of these participants were either overweight or obese. Switching to the keto diet led to an average weight loss of 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) and a decrease in average body mass index (BMI) by 1.5 kg/m2.
Average systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats, also went down. This diet changes how the body gets its energy, and the findings were published in the journal BJPsych Open.
Bipolar Disorder Overview
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes. Symptoms include:
These shifts can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, go to work or school, and maintain relationships. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression.
Study Details and Context
The benefits of the ketogenic diet for the brain have been known since the 1920s, especially for reducing seizures in people with epilepsy who do not respond to medication. This new pilot study focused on individuals with bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings.
Participants were between 18 and 70 years old and had stable moods for at least three months before the study began. They followed the keto diet for six to eight weeks, and their mental health was closely watched. They checked their own sugar and ketone levels every day and discovered that daily ketone levels were linked to positive changes in mood and energy.
Significance and Future Research
The findings of this study are important because they suggest a possible new treatment for bipolar disorder that could work alongside current medications. The keto diet also showed improvements in health related to metabolism, which helps lower the chances of getting diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Experts emphasize the need for larger studies to confirm these results. According to Dr. Iain Campbell, who led the study, this research is hopeful and welcomed by the patient community. In February 2025, UCLA Health announced a new study to look deeper into this diet for young people with bipolar disorder.
Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder in India
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects many people in India. A study from the University of Edinburgh suggests that a ketogenic diet can improve symptoms of this disorder in just six weeks. This is important because many people in India do not receive adequate treatment. Understanding how common bipolar disorder is can help us see the potential impact of new treatments.
Metabolic Health Improvements with Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is known for its low-carb and high-fat approach. It shows promising results in improving metabolic health, including blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points: A recent study from the University of Edinburgh indicates that a ketogenic diet may significantly improve symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. Participants experienced weight loss, decreased BMI, and lower blood pressure after following the diet for six to eight weeks.
Final Thoughts: These findings highlight the ketogenic diet as a potential adjunct therapy for bipolar disorder, complementing existing treatments and improving overall metabolic health.
Call to Action: Further research is essential; stakeholders should advocate for larger studies to validate these promising results and explore dietary interventions in mental health care.
