Comparison of a pre-bariatric surgery very low-calorie ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet effects on weight loss, metabolic parameters, and liver size reduction

Abstract This study compared the effects on weight as well as on metabolic parameters and liver size of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet versus a Mediterranean diet in patients with morbid obesity preparing to undergo bariatric surgery. This prospective comparison study evaluated patients 18–65 years of age who enrolled for bariatric surgery. Study duration was limited to an immediate preoperative period of 15 days. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet incorporated 10–12 kcal/kg/day of energy and 1–1.2 g/kg of protein using Kalibra (Societa Dietetica Medica) (VLCKD-SDM). The Mediterranean diet (MD) included 15–20% protein, 45–50% carbohydrate, and 25–35% fat. Changes in body mass index (BMI), liver size, and anthropometric and metabolic measurements were assessed. Between January 2016 and March 2017, of 45 patients enrolled, 30 completed the study (VLCKD-SDM, n = 15; MD, n = 15). Respective median BMI loss after VLCKD-SDM was 2.7 kg/m 2 versus MD 1.4 kg/m 2 (p < 0.05); median fat percentage reduction was 3.2 units versus 1.7 units (p < 0.05). Median liver size decreased 5.5% in the VLCKD-SDM group versus 1.7% in the MD group (p < 0.05). Median total cholesterol, and LDL levels decreased in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater relative decreases in the VLCKD-SDM group. Short-term preoperative diet-based weight loss in patients with morbid obesity preparing for bariatric surgery was significantly greater following a very low-calorie ketogenic diet versus a Mediterranean diet. The very low-calorie diet also significantly improved anthropometric and metabolic parameters and reduced preoperative liver size above that of the MD.