Keto diet may raise 'Bad' cholesterol differently depending on your weight

NCT ID NCT06515912

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Penn State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study from Penn State University looked at how a strict 4-week ketogenic diet (very low carb, high fat) affects blood cholesterol and heart health in 25 healthy adults. Researchers compared people with a healthy BMI to those with obesity to see if the diet raises 'bad' LDL cholesterol more in one group. Participants ate only study-provided meals and had fasting blood tests and vascular function measurements before and after the diet.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ketogenic diet (5% carbs, 18% protein, 77% fat)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help clarify how the ketogenic diet affects heart disease risk differently in people with healthy weight versus obesity.
What could go wrong: This is a small, short-term study (25 people, 4 weeks) that only measures changes in blood lipids and vascular function, not actual heart disease outcomes. Results may not apply to the general population.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Penn State University

University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, United States

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