KE diet

In the KE diet, a feeding tube is inserted through the nose of an individual down their oesophagus. At the other end of the tube is an electric pump. The only nourishment the patient receives is KE diet powder – an infusion of proteins, fats and micronutrients with no carbohydrates – mixed with water through the feeding tube. The patient only takes in about 800 calories a day, but the infusion is constant and the absence of carbohydrates curbs hunger. The dieter does not need hospitalization but requires doctor supervision and can carry the pump and liquid with them. The pump can be removed for up to one hour a day. While on the diet, the individual cannot eat anything and may only drink water, tea, coffee (with no milk, sugar or sweeteners) or sugar-free herb teas with the tube in. Laxatives may be given to dieters to ease constipation caused by the diet. Practitioners screen their patients before administering the diet to them and monitor them with blood and urine tests during the diet. == Safety and effectiveness ==

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say it carries a number of serious risks including pulmonary aspiration and infection. Professor of nutritional science Laura Matarese has said "I don't know any reputable physician or any reputable health care practitioner who would say that this is a good idea." and lack of energy. If the process of ketosis is continued for long periods, it may start to eat away at muscles, which could be dangerous. Critics of the diet claim it is unhealthy and may cause infection of the lung, kidney failure and erosion of tissues in the nose and throat. Other claimed short-term risks involve insertion trauma, septum damage, perforated throat, lung damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Critics of the diet also claim that weight loss with KE diet will not last. Following the diet it is up to the patient to keep the weight off. == In the media ==

KE diet was introduced in the US by Oliver Di Pietro, a doctor by profession, in 2011. The diet was then profiled by the New York Times and Good Morning America. Subsequently, the diet was strongly criticized by the public. Medical field experts called the diet "unhealthy and dangerous." A headline on National Review's website read, "End of the World Watch: The 'Feeding Tube' Diet." After interviewing Schnaider, Good Morning America reported that "more and more brides" were using the diet. Di Pietro was criticized for offering the diet. == See also ==