The possible reasons for the effectiveness of KD for weight loss may be listed as follows, in order of evidence, strongest first:
Figure 3Image Tools
1. Appetite reduction: protein satiety, effects on appetite-related hormones such as ghrelin, and possibly a sort of direct appetite-blocking effect of KB
2. Reduced lipogenesis and increased fat oxidation
3. A reduction in respiratory quotient may indicate a greater metabolic efficiency in fat oxidation
4. A thermic effect of proteins and increased energy usage by gluconeogenesis