What is the main characteristic of a ketogenic diet?

The main characteristic of a ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate intake. This dietary approach aims to shift the body's metabolism from relying on glucose derived from carbohydrates to utilizing fat as its primary energy source. When carbohydrate intake is significantly reduced, the liver produces ketones, which serve as an alternative fuel for the brain and other tissues. This state is known as ketosis, and it is a fundamental aspect of the ketogenic diet, designed to promote fat loss and potentially manage certain health conditions.

In contrast, diets characterized by high protein and low fat or those with balanced macronutrient profiles do not align with the primary purpose of a ketogenic approach. Similarly, a low calorie diet that emphasizes high carbohydrate intake would contradict the core principles of a ketogenic diet, as it would not support the shift to a fat-based energy system.