Oman's health ministry suggests doctor visit before Keto

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to people on following popular commercial diets and has suggested that those wishing to shift to a Keto diet to visit a doctor before beginning. The Ministry also suggested regular follow-up visits and periodic checkups.

According to the Ministry, a Keto diet could lead to side effects including dehydration, lack of salts, headache, dizziness or temporary lethargy, constipation, hair loss and in rare cases, rashes.

A statement by the Ministry said, "Keto diet has many benefits such as regulation of sugar and loss of weight besides a controlled appetite. It helps regulate triglycerides as well. But you should consult a specialist doctor before starting a Keto diet and go for follow-up treatments and periodic checks and exercise caution against commercial diets."

Keto is a diet based on replacing carbohydrates with fats so that the body begins to burn fat as a primary source of energy.

"In addition, Keto diet may not be suitable for patients with impaired renal functions, patients with impaired liver functions, patients with porphyria, lactating women, those who are obese or have diabetes, polycystic ovaries and people with fatty liver and metabolic syndrome," the Ministry added.