Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 47% Higher Heart Disease Risk in New Study

Research published in Science Advances has revealed that long-term ketogenic diets may lead to serious metabolic problems despite preventing weight gain. The study, conducted by University of Utah Health researchers, found that mice on a ketogenic diet developed fatty liver disease, abnormal blood lipids, and impaired blood sugar control—even while maintaining lower body weight than mice on a high-fat Western diet.

The findings revealed striking sex differences in metabolic responses. Male mice developed severe fatty liver disease along with impaired liver function, an important indicator of metabolic illness. Female mice, however, showed no significant fat buildup in the liver. Both sexes experienced disrupted blood sugar regulation, with mice showing low blood sugar and insulin levels after two to three months on the diet, yet exhibiting poor glucose tolerance when carbohydrates were reintroduced.

Researchers caution that these mouse study results do not directly translate to humans, and the mouse ketogenic diet used in the study was approximately 90% fat—far higher than typical human ketogenic diets. However, the findings suggest potential long-term metabolic risks that warrant further investigation. According to lead researchers, people considering a ketogenic diet should carefully weigh possible benefits against potential harms and consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

As GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound gain popularity, questions are emerging about their use in people who have already achieved a normal body mass index. An NPR report published yesterday examines the growing trend of patients using these drugs for weight maintenance after bariatric surgery or to prevent weight regain, even when they no longer meet the obesity criteria for which the medications were approved.

While some medical experts argue that continuing GLP-1 therapy at normal weight may serve a legitimate purpose for managing obesity as a chronic disease, several significant risks have been identified. Research suggests that people using GLP-1s tend to lose muscle mass first, but regain fat when they stop the medication. This pattern creates potential for harmful yo-yo dieting effects. Additionally, concerns exist about the medications' use among people with disordered eating, particularly since patients are typically not evaluated for eating disorders before receiving prescriptions.

The accessibility of GLP-1 drugs has increased through online sellers offering both brand-name and compounded versions, making it relatively simple to obtain prescriptions for people for whom they may not be medically indicated. Experts emphasize that while these medications can be valuable tools for managing metabolic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure—not just weight—their broader use must account for cost, insurance coverage, and overall access to avoid worsening existing health disparities.