Nov. 14, 2019
For Immediate Release

In a world where waistlines and the weight-loss industry seem to be expanding in tandem and self-help gurus offer quick fixes of all kinds, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Science will address one of the most talked-about weight-loss trends on Monday, Nov. 18 at an event called, Understanding the Keto Diet: Risk or Reward? It will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Paul Martin Centre on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Part of the faculty’s Science Café symposium series, faculty members will present information on ketogenic diets and perspectives on weight loss in general.

Though low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plans like the Paleo, South Beach and Atkins diets are sometimes described interchangeably with ketogenic or "keto" diets, there are significant differences. While other low-carb diets focus on protein, a keto plan centres on fat, which supplies as much as 90 per cent of daily calories.

At Science Café, faculty members will discuss the science behind the keto diet along with its potential benefits and risks. Presenters include:

• Tom Hazell, associate professor, Kinesiology and Physical Education, who will speak to the physiological impact of the keto diet;
• Anne Wilson, professor, Psychology, who will talk about the psychological impact of sociocultural body ideals;
• Abdul-Rahman Mawlood-Yunis, assistant professor, Computer Science, who will examine the value of weight-loss apps;
• Robb Travers, associate professor, Health Sciences, who will share his personal journey using the keto diet to maintain good health.

Registration for Understanding the Keto Diet has now closed, but members of the media are welcome to attend.