UC San Diego Study Finds Keto Therapy Improved Symptoms in 72% of 18 Women With Anorexia
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
UC San Diego Study Finds Keto Therapy Improved Symptoms in 72% of 18 Women With Anorexia
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Summary
Seventy-two percent of 18 women who completed a 14-week ketogenic therapy program scored in the recovered or normal range on an eating-disorder questionnaire, UC San Diego researchers reported.
The pilot study enrolled 22 women aged 18 to 45 with a history of anorexia nervosa and BMI above 17.5, using a diet of 70% fat, 20% protein and 10% carbohydrates to induce nutritional ketosis while maintaining weight.
Researchers said restraint, depression, and concerns about eating, shape and weight improved, while body weight did not change significantly and no participant's BMI fell below 17.5.
Women who stayed on the diet three months later posted slightly better questionnaire scores, though the authors said the small, predominantly White sample limits how broadly the findings can be applied.
The team said the results support testing metabolic treatments for anorexia more broadly, arguing that neurometabolic dysfunction may help drive the disorder and that new treatment options are urgently needed.
Can a restrictive diet truly heal anorexia, or does it risk becoming a new form of obsession?
Is anorexia not a psychological disorder, but a brain energy crisis that a high-fat diet can solve?
72% Recovery Rate in Pilot Study: Ketogenic Therapy Shows Breakthrough Promise for Adult Anorexia Nervosa
Overview
A recent pilot clinical trial by UC San Diego explored the use of ketogenic therapy as a new metabolic treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa. Published in June 2026, the study enrolled 22 adults who were weight-normalized or mildly underweight and followed a carefully designed 12–14 week ketogenic diet to induce ketosis. The results were promising, showing that ketogenic therapy is both safe and effective, offering hope for patients who have struggled with limited treatment options. This approach is based on a metabolic rationale and could mark a significant shift in how anorexia nervosa is treated.