World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of a 12-week ketogenic diet (KD) intervention on metabolic syndrome components in a cohort of 125 Saudi adults. Participants, aged 25–64 years, exhibited obesity, central adiposity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure at baseline. The intervention focused on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary protocol, with adherence monitored through surveys. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results demonstrated significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure, alongside a modest increase in HDL cholesterol. Regression analysis revealed that higher dietary adherence significantly predicted greater weight loss, highlighting the critical role of compliance in achieving metabolic benefits. Subgroup analyses indicated minor variations by age and gender, with overall benefits observed across all groups. These findings suggest that KD is an effective, feasible, and culturally adaptable strategy for improving metabolic health and mitigating cardiovascular risk among Saudi adults with metabolic syndrome.