Keto Diet Showing Promise for Treating Anorexia, 2026 Study Finds

The ketogenic (keto) diet is showing real promise when it comes to treating anorexia nervosa, according to a new study.

Guido Frank at the University of California and his colleagues asked 22 women with anorexia, whose body mass index (BMI) had risen enough to sit in the healthy to slightly underweight range, to follow a keto diet for 14 weeks.

Nearly 75% of participants dropped below the threshold for diagnosis — signalling that the diet might be restoring the energy release in brain cells. The goal of the study was to see if the women remained in a healthy range, not gain weight.

“The level of recovery was far better than what we see in other anorexia treatments,” Frank told New Scientist.

While experts are optimistic about the findings, they believe it’s too early to change the current approach for treating anorexia.

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Disability Benefits for Eating Disorders in Canada

Eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work due to an eating disorder, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving eating disorders — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.