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Dr Erin Bellamy
e.l.bellamy@uel.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - An online psychoeducational and support program implementing ketogenic metabolic therapy for mental illness
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An online psychoeducational and support program implementing ketogenic metabolic therapy for mental illness

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Mixed

London

Medical Conditions

Use of ketogenic metabolic therapy in individuals with depression and anxiety

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


This study aims to deliver an online group ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) program to community participants with varying levels of depression and anxiety and evaluate the clinical impact via measurable improvements in mental health outcomes over 7 time points: 0 (baseline), 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. The plan is to integrate KMT into an existing care delivery model. The current model includes psychoeducation and ongoing professional and community support, which can then be implemented into real-world clinical settings. There is a need to support individuals to learn and effectively apply the intervention, but also to sustain it long term if they experience improvements in their mental health symptoms and overall well-being. Previous studies have ranged from 6-16 weeks, with only one study extending up to 248 days, suggesting a need for a two-phase care model: (1) education and implementation, and (2) long-term lifestyle support. Prior research recommends investigating KMT in a remote care setting, focused on mental health symptoms monitoring, dietary adjustments based on ketone levels and frequent coaching over a period of at least 12 weeks. Although individual support is ideal, scalability needs a remote, cost-effective approach to reach individuals both geographically far and wide, as well as those who are unable to leave their homes due to symptom severity.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

01 Mar 2026 01 Sep 2026

Participants will be recruited online through social media and mental health groups across the country. The IKRT Group Metabolic Mental Health (MMH) Program is a fully remote, structured KMT intervention delivered via GDPR-compliant platforms (PracticeBetter and Zoom). The program consists of 8 weeks of foundational education and 24 weeks of concurrent weekly professional and peer support. Participants will receive personalised macronutrient targets, a Moderate Atkins Diet (MAD; 1.5:1–2:1 ratio) matched to individual energy requirements, ketogenic food lists, recipes, educational resources, and access to a moderated private online community. All participants will prepare their own meals and track dietary intake using a food tracker. Blood ketone and glucose levels will be monitored daily using the Keto-Mojo device, with readings synced to a remote dashboard for clinical oversight. Baseline metabolic labs (HbA1c, lipid profile, vitamin D and B12) and demographical data will be collected, and supplementation is advised when deficiencies are identified. Psychological outcomes are assessed at repeated time points using validated measurement tools at baseline and week 24. Weekly check-ins and Q&A sessions provide troubleshooting around diet implementation, ketone regulation, symptoms, and lifestyle barriers. This program is designed to complement ongoing psychiatric care and represents the only intervention of its kind currently available in the UK.


Adult participants with a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or both.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. BMI <18.5 kg/m²2. Recent ECT or ketamine therapy3. Active suicidal ideation with intent (captured at baseline and given support information)4. Developmental delays, neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, ASD level 2+), diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), coagulation disorders, serious food allergies, restrictive diets (e.g., vegetarian or vegan), or those unable to comply with study protocols5. No recent or current ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diet (past three months), drug/alcohol dependence (last 6 months), or planned major surgery during study6. Current or recent use (past 6 months) of GLP-1 medications7. Use of incompatible medications (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors, anticoagulants)8. Refusal of dietary, monitoring, or testing requirements will also exclude participation9. Involvement in any other research study10. Detailed recommendations on medical contraindications will also be followed as per previous research trials. See a comprehensive list below:10.1. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)10.2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)10.3. Taking Topamax, Zonisamide or Valproate/ Depakote10.4. Acute or history of Pancreatitis10.5. Liver Failure10.6. Porphyria10.7. Genetic disorders of fatty acid oxidation10.8. Glycogen storage disease type 1 (Von Gierke’s disease)10.9. Succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase deficiency10.10. Carnitine deficiency (primary)10.11. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency (CPT I/II)10.12. Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency10.13. Mitochondrial fatty acid beta oxidation disorders10.14. Short-chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency10.15. Medium-chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency10.16. Long-chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency10.17. Very long-chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency10.18. Medium-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A deficiency10.19. Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A deficiency10.20. Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency10.21. Epilepsy10.22. Cardiovascular disease10.23. Cholecystectomy10.24. Renal failure10.25. Nephrolithiasis10.26. Osteopenia or osteoporosis10.27. Hyperlipidaemia10.28. History of cerebrovascular disease10.29. History of anorexia10.30. Severe gastroesophageal reflux


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • University of East London
    East Building 4 University Way
    London
    E16 2RD

Possible benefits to participants include learning how to safely implement KMT and sustain it long term. Improvements in physical (e.g. weight loss) and mental health symptoms may also be experienced.
Possible risks to participants include discomfort from home blood tests and daily ketone measurements. There are potential side effects from starting the ketogenic diet, such as fatigue, hunger and low energy, also known as the 'keto-flu'. These are normal and usually short-lived and can be prevented with dietary adjustments.

Dr Erin Bellamy
e.l.bellamy@uel.ac.uk



The study is sponsored by University of East London and funded by Baszucki Group.




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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN96463686
Last updated 13 April 2026

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