A new study was published in JAMA earlier this month, looking at the ketogenic diet and its effect on mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. The study authors looked at 50 recently completed studies, including randomized control trials and “quasi-experimental” studies. These studies had covered a total of 41,718 participants. Meta-analysis showed that ketogenic diets were associated with modest improvements in depressive symptoms, with little or no effect on anxiety symptoms.
Our experience with ketogenic, sometimes called “Atkins” diets has been generally positive, with some caveats. The “true” ketogenic diet should be followed under medical supervision, since some dangers: heart strain, medicine interactions, and possibly increased risk of mania or hypomania are associated with the state of ketosis that your body reaches when it stops burning carbohydrates for energy, and instead burns fat.
The studies reviewed by JAMA also showed better results in studies that used ketone monitoring, nonobese participants, and very low-carbohydrate interventions; in other words, carefully monitored diets. The ketogenic diet is not easy!
The study authors call for further research with well-powered trials with standardized, verified protocols, and structured support to generate more information about the effects of the ketogenic diet.
Reference:
Janssen-Aguilar R, Vije T, Peera M, et al. Ketogenic Diets and Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online November 05, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.3261
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