Absolutely not. In fact, there are multiple benefits that result from limiting carbohydrate consumption. Most of the high-carbohydrate foods you will find on supermarket shelves heavily processed, laden with additives, sugars and unnatural preservatives. Removing these kinds of foods from your diet not only reduces your carbohydrate load, it also reduces potential health issues that arise from eating foods that our bodies were not designed to handle.

So, what are the other benefits apart from weight loss?

While most people start off following a low carb diet with the sole intention to lose weight, it is interesting to note that this way of eating was primarily used for a different reason as far back as the 1920s. The ketogenic (or very low carb) diet is one of the medically accepted treatments for chronic seizures in epilepsy and other epileptic disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Many scientists and doctors also agree that following a keto diet can also improve the outlook or slow down symptoms for those who have cancer, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, PCOS, autism, multiple sclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, traumatic brain injury, chronic migraines and chronic Lyme disease and other conditions.

There are also significant benefits to be had from those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, with some Type 2 diabetics claiming to be able to stop all medication and return their bodies to a pre-diabetic state.

While all of this is wonderful news, we have to express that using a diet to improve a specific medical condition must always be done under supervision from a health professional who is supportive and knowledgeable in this area.

Any other benefits?

Even those who do not have medical conditions or weight to lose can benefit from following a low carbohydrate diet.

Many people report having increased energy levels and no longer experiencing the typical mid-afternoon energy slumps that seem to afflict anyone over the age of 25. Others find that their skin improves in both texture and tone. Others lose their cravings for sugary treats, leading them into following a healthier lifestyle overall.

Like any way of eating that is aimed at losing weight and improving health, adhering long term to a low carb or keto diet is the key to success. Thankfully, reducing carbs in your diet and upping the ratio of protein and fats lead to increased satiety, reduced cravings and improved energy levels. It’s also a diet that can be followed and continued over a lifetime that allows individuals to decide how strict they wish to be.