RecruitingInterventional

An online psychoeducational and support program implementing ketogenic metabolic therapy for mental illness

Researchers at the University of East London are trialling an online program that uses a special diet, known as ketogenic metabolic therapy, to help people manage depression and anxiety. This program gives participants advice on this diet, recipes, and support from health professionals and other participants, all done remotely via online platforms. The main goal is to see if this diet can improve mental health over 24 weeks. It also looks at how to help people stick with the diet long-term, if it helps them. The study is for adults in the UK aged 18-80 who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, or both, and are not pregnant. It aims to offer a new way to support mental wellbeing, alongside usual care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of East London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Use of ketogenic metabolic therapy in individuals with depression and anxiety

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a new way to support people with depression and anxiety using an online program. The program focuses on something called ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), which is a specific type of diet. The idea is to see if changing what you eat, along with receiving education and support, can help improve mental health. The researchers want to know if this approach can be delivered effectively online and if it makes a real difference to people's wellbeing.

The program is designed to be very practical. It provides participants with everything they need to try the ketogenic diet, including meal plans, recipes, and information. Crucially, it also offers ongoing support from healthcare professionals and a community of peers. This is important because sticking to a new diet can be challenging, and having support can help people stay on track and get the most out of the program. The study will track mental health changes over 24 weeks to understand the effects of this therapy.

One of the exciting aspects of this study is that it's all done online. This means people across the UK can take part, even if they live far from a clinic or find it hard to leave their homes due to their symptoms. The aim is to create a model that could eventually be used to help many more people in real-world healthcare settings, providing a cost-effective and accessible way to manage depression and anxiety.

Key takeaways

This study explores a special diet and online support for depression and anxiety.
It's an online program, so you can take part from anywhere in the UK.
The program lasts 24 weeks and includes diet advice, recipes, and ongoing support.
You'll need to check your blood ketone levels daily and track your food intake.
It aims to improve mental health and help you stick with a healthy lifestyle long-term.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 80 who live in the UK. You can take part if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, or both. If you have ADHD along with depression or anxiety, you might also be eligible. There's a specific questionnaire score needed for your depression or anxiety to confirm eligibility, which the study team will help you check.

It's important that you are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and you shouldn't be planning to become pregnant in the next six months. You also need to be generally stable in your health, meaning you haven't been in hospital in the last three months. If you're on medication for your mental health, that's usually fine, as long as your doctor is overseeing it and it's not a very specific high dose of one particular medication (clozapine).

Finally, you need to be able to understand information in English and give informed consent. You should also be comfortable using digital tools like smartphones for tracking your diet and symptoms, attending online sessions, and filling out questionnaires. If you have a very low body weight (BMI below 18.5), or if you've recently had certain types of therapy like ECT or ketamine, or if you're experiencing active suicidal thoughts with a plan, then this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 to 80?
Do you live in the UK?
Do you have a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or both?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not planning pregnancy soon?
Are you generally healthy and haven't been in hospital recently?
Are you comfortable using digital tools on a smartphone for tracking and online meetings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be part of an online program that runs for 24 weeks. The first 8 weeks focus on teaching you about the ketogenic diet, and then for the whole 24 weeks, you'll receive weekly support from experts and other participants. You'll get personalised advice on what to eat, recipes, and educational materials.

You'll need to prepare your own meals and keep track of what you eat using a food tracker. You'll also use a special device to check your blood ketone and glucose levels every day; these readings will be shared with the study team. Before you start and at the end of the 24 weeks, you’ll have some blood tests to check things like your vitamin levels. You'll complete questionnaires at different times throughout the study to track your mental health. There will also be weekly online check-ins and Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and get help with any difficulties you might face with the diet or lifestyle changes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits, such as learning how to safely follow a ketogenic diet and potentially improving your mental health symptoms and overall wellbeing. Some people might also experience physical health benefits, like weight loss. However, there are also some potential risks. You might feel a bit uncomfortable with the daily blood tests needed to check your ketone levels. When you first start the ketogenic diet, some people experience temporary side effects like feeling tired, hungry, or having low energy, sometimes called the 'keto-flu'. These usually don't last long and can often be managed by adjusting your diet. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of East London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is ketogenic metabolic therapy?

It's a special diet that's very low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in healthy fats. This diet changes how your body gets energy, which some believe can help with certain health conditions.

Is this program suitable for everyone with depression or anxiety?

No, there are specific rules about who can join. You need to meet certain health criteria, be aged 18-80, and not be pregnant, among other things. The study team will check if it's right for you.

Do I need to stop my current medication to join?

No, you can usually continue taking your mental health medication as long as your doctor is overseeing it. This program is designed to work alongside your existing care, not replace it.

What if I experience side effects from the diet?

It's common to have some mild, temporary side effects like feeling tired or hungry at first, known as the 'keto-flu'. The program includes weekly check-ins and support to help you manage these.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The online program itself lasts for 24 weeks. During this time, you'll have regular activities and check-ins as part of the study.

How to find out more

Dr Erin L Bellamy

e.l.bellamy@uel.ac.uk +44 20 8223 3000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.