Keto for Depression: ~70% Improvement for College Students in New Study

A groundbreaking study from The Ohio State University shows that ketogenic therapy may dramatically reduce symptoms of major depression in college students.

In this interview, study research leads Dr. Jeff Volek and Drew Decker break down the results:

• 100% of participants responded
• 69-71% improvements in depression scores
• Improvements in cognitive performance, body composition, and metabolic health
• No relapses

Dr. Volek has decades of experience conducting research on ketogenic therapy. The Volek Low Carbohydrate Laboratory is one of the best in the game at conducting quality ketogenic science. In this interview Dr. Volek and Drew also cover:

• The feasibility of ketogenic therapy in college students
• How student participants were supported
• What the next steps are for research

As evidence for metabolic psychiatry increases, let’s not forget ketogenic therapy’s roots in pediatric epilepsy. We know a ketogenic diet can be beneficial to our youth and we need more research like this to help pave the way for better youth mental health outcomes.

📺 Watch now to hear how ketogenic therapy may become a new path to hope for young people struggling with depression.

Want to learn more about this study? Check out our blog post: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/

#MentalHealth #KetogenicDiet #MetabolicPsychiatry #DepressionTreatment #NutritionScience #CollegeHealth #DrJeffVolek #MetabolicMind

Expert Featured:

Dr. Jeff Volek

• Website: https://lowcarb.osu.edu/

Drew Decker

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew_d_decker/

Resources Mentioned:

• https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8

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https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

Follow 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.