Which ketogenic diet works best? new study compares meal replacements vs. natural foods

NCT ID NCT07389122

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how well adults with obesity or complicated overweight could stick to different very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) in a real-world clinic. Participants chose one of four diet plans, ranging from all-natural foods to all meal replacements, and followed a 26-week program. The goal was to see which diet had the best adherence, fewest side effects, and highest satisfaction, which could help personalize weight management strategies.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) with varying protein sources (natural foods vs. meal replacements)

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help doctors and patients choose the most tolerable and effective ketogenic diet plan for weight loss and metabolic health.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a controlled trial, so results may be influenced by personal preference. It is also small and single-center, limiting how widely the findings can be applied.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Insulin Resistance metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease Obesity obesity disorder Overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus Weight Loss

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital-University of Bologna

    Bologna, BO, 40138, Italy