What is the history of keto?

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as keto, has historical roots that date back to ancient Greece. It was first observed by Hippocrates, who noted the beneficial effects of fasting on individuals experiencing epileptic seizures. Although it wasn't identified as ketosis at the time, this practice indicates the ancient discovery of the diet's potential health benefits.

The more structured application of the ketogenic diet began in the 1920s, specifically targeting the treatment of epilepsy. The Mayo Clinic was particularly involved in these developments through experiments led by Dr. Wilder. They formulated a diet consisting of high fat, adequate protein, and low carbohydrates to induce a state of ketosis, which proved effective in managing epilepsy, particularly in children.

The popularization of the ketogenic diet for broader uses, like weight loss and general health improvement, came much later. Notably, the Atkins diet in the 1970s, while not a traditional ketogenic diet, incorporated similar principles and paved the way for the resurgence of interest in low-carb, high-fat diets 1.