NUH Healthy Keto Meal Programme

2025/04/02

Traditional keto diets tend to be high in saturated fats, increasing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. In contrast, the NUH Healthy Keto Meal Programme is designed to assist overweight or obese individuals in achieving weight loss while maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. 

The fibre-rich Healthy Keto Diet not only satiates appetites, it also supports digestion and promotes gut health. With moderate amounts of healthy fats, the diet is low in carbohydrates - restricted to a daily net intake of 50g or less - to induce ketosis, utilising stored fat for energy. The programme caters to individuals looking at healthy weight loss.

Benefits and Trial Results

In a randomised controlled trial conducted between 2021 to 2023, participants who were in the NUH Healthy Keto Diet Programme experienced an average weight loss of 7.8kg over 6 months, compared to an average of 4.2kg weight loss on an energy-restricted diet (Lim et al. 2024). Notably, unlike keto diets associated with increased cholesterol levels, this programme did not see such increases over the course of a year.

Furthermore, diabetic and pre-diabetic participants reported reduced blood glucose levels; those with hypertension experienced improvements in blood pressure.

Participants who adhered closely to their diets reduced their dependence on certain medications and reported improved quality of life.

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About the Programme and Registration

The programme consists of two parts:

1. Dietitian workshop (conducted online via Zoom) - Date & Timing: Wednesday or Friday 12 – 1pm 

- Goal setting
- Tailored meal plan*
- Portion control
- Harnessing technology for weight loss **                                                                                                             

*Participants are strongly encouraged to modify their diets based on the NUH Healthy Keto Diet principles for optimal results.

2. **Mobile app coaching

- Tips and guidance 
- Timely prompts
- Progress monitoring 

You will be required to download and refer to an app during the Zoom workshop. The app is available for download on mobile devices only. Hence, we recommend attending the workshop on a computer or on a different mobile device. 

Charges: $118 (before eligible subsidies)

Registration: Register for the Zoom workshop with our dietitians here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does the NUH Healthy Keto Meal Programme entails?

A: The NUH Healthy Keto Meal Programme involves an online consultation with our dietitian who will guide participants in planning their meals for effective weight loss. The programme provides specific dietary recommendations and meal plans to help participants closely adhere to the NUH Healthy Keto Diet principles for best results. 

Participants can choose to include pre-packaged meals or explore alternative food options according to the NUH Healthy Keto Diet principles.

Our dietitians use the Nutritionist Buddy (nBuddy) Keto app to coach participants for four weeks post-consultation, providing on-going guidance and support. Participants will be taught how to use the app during the online consultation.

Q: Is this programme suitable for everyone?

A: This programme is best suited for individuals with a body mass index of above 25 kg/m2 and are aiming to lose weight healthily. This programme is not suitable for individuals with any of the below preclusions:
- Body mass index <25 kg/m2
- Type 1 diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Recent heart procedure (within the last 6 months)
- Recent stroke (within the last 6 months)
- Active cancer
- Cancer in remission (within the last 5 years)
- Currently pregnant