Assessing the accessibility of ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities for obesity management in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

Abstract

The adoption of ketogenic dietary system as a therapeutic intervention for obesity management, and the use of Ghanaian local food commodities to support ketogenic lifestyle remain underexplored. This study assessed the accessibility and nutritional suitability of ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities in Ghana and examined the effects of ketogenic lifestyle practices on obesity management. A quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design were used to collect data from 120 obese individuals in the Accra Metropolis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression techniques.The findings indicate that ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities are generally available and perceived to be of acceptable nutritional quality, aligning with high-fat, moderate-protein, and lowcarbohydrate dietary requirements. However, challenges such as affordability, seasonality, and supply inconsistency affect access. Regression results show that moderate protein consumption (β=0.206, p < 0.05), hydration and electrolyte balance ((β=0.374, p < 0.05), physical activity ((β=0.371, p < 0.05) have significant positive effects on obesity management. High fat consumption (β=0.043, p < 0.05), low carbohydrate intake ((β=0.114, p < 0.05), and whole foods focus ((β=0.135, p < 0.05) show no significant effect. Overall. The study demonstrates that while ketogenic dietary practices are feasible within the Ghanaian context, their effectiveness for obesity management depends on specific lifestyle components and improved access to suitable local food commodities.