Interested in Ketogenic Therapy for Depression and Anxiety?
Join Our Research Study
Implementing Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT) for Mental Illness: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Trial of an Online Psychoeducational and Support Program
About our Study
The purpose of our study is to determine the clinical impact of a 24-week ketogenic diet alongside professional guidance and peer support in adults with diagnoses of depression, anxiety, or both.
Traditional treatments for depression and anxiety can often fall short, leaving many to navigate long waitlists with limited resources. There is an urgent need for more accessible, comprehensive approaches to mental healthcare. Our study investigates the potential of ketogenic metabolic therapy, integrated with virtual education and support, can drive meaningful improvements in mental health. By removing the barrier of face-to-face visits, we aim to discover if this fully remote, metabolic-based therapy offers a scalable path to recovery.
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet. This diet shifts the body’s metabolic state from using primarily carbohydrates to fats for energy. This shift results in the production of ketones, which can be measured with a simple blood test.
There is growing evidence that ketogenic diets are associated with improvement in serious mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
How will the Study be Implemented?
During this 24-week program, participants will learn to safely and effectively implement ketogenic metabolic therapy through weekly educational videos and guided support. To support your journey, you will receive personalised macronutrient targets and a structured meal-planning guide to use with a mobile tracking app. You will also monitor your daily glucose and ketone levels using a simple at-home finger-prick meter and record your daily mood. Throughout the study, you’ll have constant support via weekly Q&A calls and access to our private, supportive online community.
Study design: Our 6 month study consists of 4 phases
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Phase 1: Screening & Enrollment
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You will be invited to attend an information session with the research team. Please note that attending this session does not guarantee inclusion in the study.
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You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire so we can assess whether the diet is safe and appropriate for you. If you are eligible, you will be invited to attend a Q&A session to ask any questions you may have.
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If you decide to take part, you will be asked to review and sign the consent forms and terms and conditions.
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You will then receive, at no cost, a ketone monitor with test strips, as well as at-home testing kits for HbA1c, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
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Phase 2: Transition & Education (2 weeks)
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You will begin the education process and connect with your practitioner and support group. During this "ramp-up" period, you will gradually incorporate ketogenic meals into your diet.
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Phase 3: Active Implementation (Weeks 3–24)
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You will maintain the ketogenic metabolic therapy program. This phase includes weekly online counselling sessions to guide your progress and daily at-home monitoring to track your physiological response.
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Phase 4: Evaluation & Conclusion
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You will provide your final measurements and psychological evaluation. You will receive dedicated support as you wrap up your participation and transition out of the study.
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Study Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
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Are 18 years or older
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Have a formal diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or both
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Are currently clinically stable
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Currently live in the UK
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Are able to provide informed consent and engage with an online program in english
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Are able to use digital tracking tools daily and attend all scheduled sessions
You may not be eligible if you:
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Are currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the study
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Are currently underweight (BMI below 18.5)
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Are currently following or have previously implemented a ketogenic diet
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Maintain a restrictive diet that prevents ketogenic protocol adherence (e.g., vegetarian or vegan)
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Have certain underlying medical conditions or comorbidities (will be screened)
To learn more about our study and your eligibility, please refer to the clinical study registration or add your name and email to the box below and we will be in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of participating in this study?
Participants gain the skills to safely implement and sustain KMT long-term. While outcomes vary, potential benefits include improvements in mental health symptoms and physical health markers, such as weight management and improved energy levels.
What are the risks of participating in this study?
The most common side effect is the "keto-flu" (temporary fatigue or hunger) as the body adapts. These symptoms are typically short-lived and can be managed with dietary adjustments. Additionally, the study requires daily finger-prick tests and periodic at-home blood kits, which may cause minor, temporary discomfort.
Do I have to be based in the UK?
Yes. While all support is delivered remotely, participants must be residents of the United Kingdom to be eligible.
Does participation require me to stop my current treatment?
No. You must continue your current psychiatric treatment. You must have ongoing clinical oversight from a psychiatrist or GP while participating. This study is independent of the National Health Service (NHS) and is not part of NHS care.
Will I be paid for my participation in this study?
There is no direct financial compensation. However, the study provides over £1,000 worth of guidance and support at no cost to you, including program access, professional coaching, laboratory blood tests, and monitoring equipment.
Are there any costs for taking part in this study?
The study covers all core education and coaching costs. Participants are only responsible for purchasing their groceries and a few specific supplements to support the transition (such as electrolytes, multivitamins, and optional MCT oil).
What if I don’t want to use the ketone blood monitor?
Consistent monitoring is essential for the scientific integrity of the study and your safety. Adherence to dietary, monitoring, and testing requirements is a condition of participation.
How long will it take me to respond to this intervention?
While most people enter ketosis within 2–4 days, the psychological impact of the therapy varies. Some participants notice changes within weeks, while for others, it may take several months of consistent implementation.
Will I have access to any support at the end of the study?
Yes. Upon completion of the 24-week study, ongoing support and program access will be offered and available to all participants at the standard cost.
Declining to take part or withdrawing from the study will not affect access to services.
The Research Team
Dr Erin Louise Bellamy
The study lead and primary investigator is Dr Erin Louise Bellamy, a Metabolic Mental Health practitioner and researcher. She is a Ketogenic Specialist and Research Fellow at the University of East London and a chartered psychologist. As the founder and CEO of Integrative Ketogenic Research and Therapies, she provides Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy support to clients with a wide range of physical and mental health issues through private practice.
Dr Bellamy has a PhD in Psychology, specialising in Ketogenic Diets & Depression from the University of East London and an MSc in Psychiatric Research from the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London.
University of East London
This study is being run virtually in collaboration with The School of Childhood and Social Care at University of East London. Ethical approval has been granted for this study by the University of East London, Application ID: ETH2526-0129.
Integrative Ketogenic Research & Therapies
The study will be conducted in collaboration with IKRT, Integrative Ketogenic Research & Therapies, a company that supports people with mental health conditions to learn how to use ketogenic metabolic therapy safely and effectively, with professional guidance, education, and community support.
Contact Information
We are currently enrolling participants for our upcoming study.
Study Timeline: April – September 2026
Whether you are interested in participating or simply have a few questions, our research team is here to help. Please reach out via email below:
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Email: e.l.bellamy@uel.ac.uk
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