VoltraKeto diet: does it lose more weight?
Slightly. A meta-analysis of 13 trials lasting 12 months or more found that very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets, with no more than 50 g of carbs a day, lost 0.91 kg more than low-fat diets [1]. LDL cholesterol rose slightly, while HDL rose and triglycerides fell [1].
The International Society of Sports Nutrition says keto may cause bigger losses of weight, fat and fat-free mass than a higher-carb diet, but that's likely down to differences in calories, protein and body water, and it may increase the loss of lean tissue [2].
How low is keto?
In this research, a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet means no more than 50 g of carbohydrate a day [1]. That's about 180 g of cooked white rice, one and a half large pitas, or a little under three Medjool dates (calculated from the USDA figures in our calorie table).
The long-term results
| Measure | Keto vs low-fat |
|---|---|
| Body weight | −0.91 kg |
| LDL cholesterol | +0.12 mmol/l |
| HDL cholesterol | +0.09 mmol/l |
| Triglycerides | −0.18 mmol/l |
All from the same meta-analysis of trials lasting 12 months or more [1].
Water and muscle
Part of the early drop on keto is body water, and part can be lean tissue: the ISSN says the bigger losses of weight, fat and fat-free mass are likely due to differences in calories and protein and to shifts in fluid balance, and that keto may increase the loss of lean tissue [2]. If you try it, keep your protein up and keep strength training.
Who should be careful
For people with diabetes, a ketogenic diet combined with a GLP-1 medicine could increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and of low blood sugar [3]. If you take any medicine for diabetes, talk to your doctor before cutting carbs this far.
In Voltra
Voltra shows the carbs in everything you log on the Eat tab, so you can see whether your day stays under 50 g.
Frequently asked
Does keto work for weight loss?
Slightly better than low-fat over a year or more: 0.91 kg more in a meta-analysis of 13 trials.
How many carbs a day on keto?
In the trials, no more than 50 g a day, about 180 g of cooked white rice (calculated).
Does keto raise cholesterol?
LDL rose slightly, by 0.12 mmol/l, while HDL rose and triglycerides fell.
Is the weight lost on keto just water?
Partly. The ISSN says the bigger early losses are likely down to calories, protein and shifts in body water.
Sources
- Bueno NB, de Melo IS, de Oliveira SL, da Rocha Ataide T (2013). Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr 110(7):1178–1187. Abstract. 13 trials of 12 months or more.
- Leaf A, Rothschild JA, Sharpe TM, et al. (2024). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: ketogenic diets. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 21(1):2368167. Position point 6.
- Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. (2025). Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint advisory. Am J Clin Nutr 122(1):344–367. Use of specific dietary patterns.
Sources checked on 30 September 2026.
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