Integrating Ketogenic Diet with Physical Exercise: Implications for Athletes and Chronic Conditions

The ketogenic diet, initially developed over 60 years ago for epilepsy management, has since been recognized as a safe and scientifically valid dietary approach for certain conditions when properly supervised. Its applications have expanded to include the management of various conditions such as headaches, lipedema, polycystic ovary syndrome, and as an adjunct during chemotherapy. Despite its growing popularity, the use (integration) of the ketogenic diet with physical exercise, particularly high-intensity and professional sports, remains underexplored. Some research has shown promising results while other evidence indicates it has largely neutral or detrimental effects. Therefore, there are still significant gaps in understanding how to optimize this combination for both health and performance. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing comprehensive guidelines that ensure the ketogenic diet’s efficacy and safety in conjunction with physical exercise.

This research topic aims to consolidate knowledge surrounding the long-term and multifaceted application of the ketogenic diet, particularly in the context of physical activity, ranging from general health applications to high-intensity and competitive sports. It seeks to explore the diet’s suitability, even for limited periods, to achieve specific health and performance goals without compromising optimal results. By addressing these questions, the research endeavors to provide clearer insights and practical recommendations for individuals—both athletes and the general population—looking to integrate ketogenic dietary practices with their exercise routines.
We are particularly interested in manuscripts that explore novel insights into the biochemical, physiological, and performance-related impacts of the ketogenic diet in conjunction with physical activity.

To deepen our understanding of the interplay between the ketogenic diet and physical exercise, we welcome a range of article types, including but not limited to, original research, review articles, and systematic reviews. Themes of interest in
– Ketogenic diet, chronic conditions, and exercise
– Ketogenic diet, neurological pathologies, and physical exercise
– Ketogenic diet, lipedema, lymphedema, and exercise
– Ketogenic diet and high-intensity exercise
– Ketogenic diet and professional sport
– Supplements to support the ketogenic diet applied to sport and physical exercise