WHY EVERYONE IS QUITTING KETO? (EXPLAINED) - Dr. Westman Reacts

Summary

In this video, Dr. Eric Westman addresses the misconceptions and reasons behind people quitting the ketogenic diet. He discusses various factors such as starting for the wrong reasons, the appeal of high-fat foods, and the challenge of sticking to a strict diet. Westman emphasizes the importance of understanding keto as a tool, not a permanent lifestyle, and highlights the need for quality food choices to avoid micronutrient deficiencies. He also touches on the social pressures and misinterpretations of science that contribute to people abandoning keto. The video aims to provide clarity and encourage individuals to find what works best for them, considering their unique health goals and circumstances.

Takeaways

• 🧐 Dr. Eric Westman discusses the reasons why some people might be quitting the keto diet and emphasizes that his clinical experience differs from the personal trainer or YouTube influencer perspectives.
• 🏃‍♂️ Tom Deluca, a YouTube influencer and personal trainer, has influenced many with the keto diet but may not have the same clinical background as Dr. Westman.
• 📈 People might start the keto diet for quick weight loss or due to social media influence, which could lead to them quitting if they don't see immediate results or if the novelty wears off.
• 🥗 The importance of food quality on the keto diet is highlighted, as consuming low-quality foods can lead to micronutrient deficiencies.
• 🏋️‍♀️ For high-performance athletes, improper keto dieting or not fully adapting to ketosis can lead to a decline in physical performance.
• 🚫 Distrust in dogmatic behavior and groups can deter people from sticking with the keto diet, as it may feel restrictive or extreme.
• 🤔 Misinterpretation of scientific studies and sensationalized headlines can lead people to abandon the keto diet out of fear or misunderstanding.
• 👥 Online pressures and potential bullying can discourage people from openly discussing or continuing with the keto diet due to fear of judgment or criticism.
• 🔄 The idea of cycling on and off the keto diet is presented as a potentially beneficial approach to gain various advantages from both low-carb and higher-carb states.
• 💊 The use of multivitamins is suggested to fill in nutritional gaps, especially important on a low-carb diet where certain vitamins may be lost due to increased water excretion.
• 🧘‍♂️ The emphasis on individuality in dieting is stressed, encouraging people to find what works best for them personally rather than following trends or peer pressure.

Q & A

Why does Dr. Eric Westman believe people might be quitting the keto diet?

Dr. Westman suggests that people might be quitting the keto diet because they may have started for the wrong reasons, such as quick weight loss or social media influence, rather than for addressing specific health issues like reversing obesity or diabetes.

What does Dr. Westman think about Tom Del's influence on the keto diet?

Dr. Westman acknowledges Tom Del as a very influential YouTube influencer on the keto diet, with substantial street cred and clinical experience as a personal trainer, despite not having detailed information about his formal education.

How does Dr. Westman define a successful keto diet in terms of adherence?

Dr. Westman believes that a successful keto diet is one that is adhered to for medical reasons, such as reversing metabolic issues, rather than for temporary goals like quick weight loss.

What is Dr. Westman's view on cycling the keto diet?

Dr. Westman sees cycling the keto diet as a positive approach, allowing individuals to experience various benefits from both low-carb and higher-carb intakes, rather than viewing it as a strictly permanent lifestyle change.

Why does Dr. Westman think people might feel restricted on the keto diet?

Dr. Westman suggests that people might feel restricted on the keto diet if they adopt an all-or-nothing mindset, leading to a sense of being trapped or pigeonholed, which can result in a rebound away from the diet.

What role does Dr. Westman believe micronutrient deficiency might play in people quitting the keto diet?

Dr. Westman identifies micronutrient deficiency as a potential reason for people quitting the keto diet, especially if they consume lower-quality cuts of meat and processed foods without paying attention to food quality.

How does Dr. Westman address the issue of dogmatic behavior in the keto community?

Dr. Westman advises against dogmatic behavior and suggests that people should find their own reasons for following the keto diet, rather than being influenced by extreme or loud voices within the community.

What is Dr. Westman's perspective on the role of multivitamins in a keto diet?

Dr. Westman believes that multivitamins can be beneficial, especially on a lower carb protocol, to fill nutritional gaps. However, he emphasizes that they should not be used as a crutch but to supplement a diet of real, whole foods.

How does Dr. Westman perceive the impact of online pressures and bullying on the keto diet community?

Dr. Westman acknowledges that online pressures and even a form of academic bullying can lead people to quit the keto diet or avoid discussing it publicly due to the negativity and misconceptions associated with it.

What does Dr. Westman suggest regarding the interpretation of scientific studies related to the keto diet?

Dr. Westman advises people to grow from the literature and not react to it, especially when it comes to mechanistic or rodent model studies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both sides of the equation and not abandoning the keto diet based on misinterpretations or distortions of scientific findings.

How does Dr. Westman differentiate between athletic performance and the keto diet?

Dr. Westman distinguishes between athletic performance and the keto diet by stating that while some individuals may need to adjust their carb intake for optimal performance, the focus should be on achieving optimal human performance and results, rather than strictly adhering to ketone levels.

What resources does Dr. Westman recommend for those interested in athletic performance and the keto diet?

Dr. Westman recommends documentary films like 'Serial Killers' and 'Serial Killers 2', as well as books by Steve Phinney and Jeff Volek, such as 'The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance', for those interested in athletic performance and the keto diet.