Nowadays a lot of people are familiar with the term keto diet. Many of them have already been exposed to the keto diet (practiced or continuing or have a plan to start soon). It is nothing but the consequences of the dissemination of messages through social media which focuses on different facts such as weight loss and promoting food items (keto corner). The aim is to sell some keto products to the target groups who failed to manage their weight or do not have access to adequate dietary or nutritional services. As a result, people are going to be nutritionally vulnerable eventually.
In the case person having a keto diet, especially in Bangladesh, a lot of people do not have in-depth knowledge about the keto diet. They just follow the recommendations disseminated on several social media. Many of them seem to be dedicated followers of the disseminators. This condition is degrading gradually as there are fewer or no authentic sources to guide them properly. In addition, it is extremely critical to regulate or motivate a person who is following a diet like keto. Sometimes, it is considered as a personal issue.
It is easy to follow a balanced and required diet if we have enough knowledge or get support from a nutritionist or dietician. These supports help the transition between knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), though the process is difficult but possible. Lack of adequate support or guidelines from authentic sources allows people to become desperate followers of different recommendations like following a keto diet, from all available and practical options, to control their excess body weight. They also failed to assess the potential future negative effect while trying to reduce body weight only. As a result, they suffer economically, psychologically, and nutritionally eventually.
The risks of the keto diet are clearly summarized by the following statement: “It’s advertised as a weight-loss wonder, but this eating plan is actually a medical diet that comes with serious risks.” (Reference: A15 Should you try the keto diet? – Harvard Health)
If you are interested to learn more about the keto diet, its mode of action, side effects, etc. please follow the link:
There is no single dietary recommendation for all-whether it is a general diet or a special or therapeutic diet like keto. People differ in distinct factors such as genetic makeup, body composition, age, sex, physiological conditions, disease profile, etc. These need to be considered while recommending or following any diet. So, it is very much recommended to take advice from a doctor or dietitian, or nutritionist for each step of dietary modification along with regular monitoring and modifications of diet followed.
We need to move our focus from narrow to broad aspects to balance knowledge about nutrition and quality of life. Moreover, we also need to regulate our food intake patterns focusing on individual appetite, satiety, and satiation by diversifying foods regularly, if possible, following the advice of a dietitian or nutritionist.
(Continue…)
*Codes are used to make a common list of references to be published.
*Featured image credit goes to https://www.pexels.com