BITESIZE: Lipidologist Questions the New Keto and Liver Disease Study

A recent study made headlines for claiming a ketogenic diet may worsen fatty liver disease and raise triglycerides. But when you take a closer look at the research, it’s clear that the conclusions are far less supported than the coverage suggests.To clear things up, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the study actually found, where the methodology falls short, and what the broader body of research has to say about ketogenic therapy and liver health.In this discussion, you'll learn:What the study examined and how the data was collectedWhy the lack of ketone measurement makes it impossible to confirm anyone was actually in ketosisHow reverse causality may explain the findings entirelyWhat baseline differences in BMI and adiposity reveal about the study populationWhy cross-sectional observational studies sit lower on the evidence hierarchy than RCTsWhat a meta-analysis of 62 randomized controlled trials shows about ketogenic diets and triglyceridesWhat a 12-week supervised intervention revealed about ketogenic therapy and fatty liver reductionWhy higher-quality controlled trial evidence should take precedence over headline-grabbing observational studiesFor clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating conflicting headlines about ketogenic therapy, this conversation is a reminder that the quality of evidence matters as much as the findings themselves.🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.#KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #FattyLiverDiseaseExpert Featured:Dr. Bret ScherBaszucki Group Medical Directorhttps://x.com/bschermdResources Mentioned:Association between dietary patterns and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cross-sectional studyhttps://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1794910Free CME Clinician Trainings:Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-ytFollow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.