Ketogenic Therapy and Anorexia: UCSD’s Bold Exploration

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but ketogenic diets are being investigated as a treatment for eating disorders. Yes, even Anorexia.

Case studies treating anorexia with ketogenic diets have been published with some stellar results. And so now the real work begins in furthering the research literature for this population. UCSD is carving a fresh path, and I think you should know about it and tell your friends!

UCSD’s Initiative & Its Principle Investigator

UCSD is conducting pioneering research, to say the least! At the forefront? Dr. Guido Frank. Not just a name, but a force in psychiatry. His credentials? Stellar. Double-boarded in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry with a treasure trove of over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

When Dr. Frank leads, it’s not just research; it’s a movement.

The Baszucki Group’s Commitment

The commitment of the Baszucki Group is crucial in driving medical research. They have emerged as a financial supporter investing significantly to advance the boundaries of research in the use of ketogenic diets as a treatment for mental illnesss. And anorexia nervosa is no exception. Their contribution not only speeds up the progress of the study but also helps ensure a level of integrity. Why? Because they aren’t an industry looking to benefit from the results. They want people to know all the ways they can feel better, and they are willing to help figure out if using the ketogenic diet with anorexia is one of them.

What was their contribution? Their commitment to this groundbreaking research is evident through a significant philanthropic gift of $235,000.

That’s a lot of money, and this group is on their game. I don’t think they would be funding that much to a study if they didn’t think the existing science was providing a pretty darn solid foundation, do you?

Be Part of the Change: Here’s How

UCSD’s call for participants is loud and clear:

• Duration: A 14-week study, targeting those with anorexia nervosa who’ve regained weight but still wrestle with the disorder’s shadows.
• Monitoring: Participants will undergo thorough checks, ensuring safety and study accuracy.
• Guidance: Expertise at its best. Participants will gain insights into ketogenic nutrition from top-tier dieticians.
• Eligibility: Nationwide, but an in-person initial evaluation is a must.
• How to Enroll: You can learn more about participation in this study at here: Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet in Anorexia Nervosa
  • STUDY CONTACT: Megan Shott, BS
  • Phone Number: 848-246-5272
  • Email: mshott@health.ucsd.edu

If you want to learn more, you can check out this great press release here:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uc-san-diego-launches-clinical-trial-of-ketogenic-therapy-for-anorexia-nervosa-301931148.html

Is the point of this study to prove that anorexia can be treated with a ketogenic diet? No. The point of this study is to see if it is tolerable by those with an anorexia diagnosis and has any level of efficacy in weight-recovered individuals at high risk of relapse. They are also going to poke around and see if they can find potential genetic predictors of response to nutritional ketosis. 

In Conclusion

Under the guidance of Dr. Frank and the dedication of UCSD, we’re on the cusp of potentially pioneering research. While the results are yet to be unveiled, the promise it holds is undeniable. It’s crucial to stay updated and engaged with such avant-garde studies. The horizon of anorexia nervosa treatment might be shifting, and this could be a significant stride toward a brighter future.

Please share this far and wide so this groundbreaking research can continue!