Frequently asked questions Is this just a keto diet? No. A standard keto diet is often used for weight loss. Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy is a more intentional, therapeutic approach that considers brain energy, metabolic health, nutrient status, symptoms, safety and sustainability. The focus is not simply carbohydrate restriction. The focus is using nutrition to support the metabolic environment of the brain and body. Is ketogenic therapy proven for mental health? The evidence is promising but still emerging. There are small pilot studies, case reports and growing clinical interest suggesting ketogenic therapy may be helpful for some people with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, larger controlled trials are still needed. This programme does not present ketogenic therapy as a cure or a replacement for psychiatric care. It is an adjunctive nutritional and metabolic approach. Can I do this if I take medication? You should speak to your GP, psychiatrist or prescribing clinician before starting as medications may need adjusting. Ketogenic diets can affect blood sugar, blood pressure, fluid balance, weight and metabolism, which may influence medication needs in some people. Psychiatric medication should never be stopped or changed without medical supervision. Can this help bipolar disorder? There is growing interest in ketogenic metabolic therapy for bipolar disorder, and early research is encouraging. However, the evidence is still preliminary, and further trials are needed. If you have bipolar disorder, you should only explore ketogenic metabolic therapy alongside appropriate medical care, especially if you have a history of mania, hypomania, psychosis or medication changes. Can this help anxiety or depression? Ketogenic therapy may support some of the metabolic factors that can influence mood, such as blood sugar regulation, inflammation, mitochondrial function and brain energy. This programme does not replace medical care, therapy or medication. It offers a structured nutritional psychiatry approach that may sit alongside your existing support. Will I need to test ketones? Ketone testing can be helpful, especially if you are using ketogenic therapy for a therapeutic purpose rather than general wellbeing. We will guide you through the different options and explain what may be useful. Will I have to eat lots of meat? No. Ketogenic diets can be designed in different ways. The programme will include a range of meal ideas using high-quality protein, healthy fats, low-carbohydrate vegetables, nuts, seeds and other nutrient-dense foods. Vegetarian ketogenic approaches can be more challenging but may be possible with careful planning. Is this suitable for children or teenagers? This group programme is currently designed for adults. Children and teenagers need more individualised support, especially where growth, development, neurodivergence, eating patterns or mental health are involved. For younger clients, we recommend discussing one-to-one support. What if I have a history of disordered eating? A ketogenic diet can be inappropriate for people with active or past eating disorders, depending on the situation. Because the approach involves food rules, tracking and restriction of certain food groups, it may not be suitable if you have a history of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia or significant food anxiety. Please contact us before joining so we can advise whether a different form of support would be safer. What happens after 12 weeks? At the end of the programme, we will help you reflect on your response and consider next steps. That may include continuing ketogenic therapy, moving to a more flexible low-carbohydrate approach, cycling carbohydrates strategically, introducing further testing, or moving into one-to-one support if your case is more complex. The aim is not to keep you dependent on a programme. The aim is to help you understand your body and make informed decisions.