Cost-benefit analysis between a life on a standard American diet and life on a high-fat, low-carb, or ketogenic diet.

What follows is a cost-benefit analysis, including estimated dollar values for food and health costs. These figures are averages and can vary based on location, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.

Although the ketogenic diet has slightly higher upfront food costs, the substantial reduction in long-term health and productivity costs makes it a financially advantageous choice for most individuals, especially when accounting for the improved quality of life.

1. Standard American Diet (SAD)

Costs:

• Food Costs:

• Average monthly food budget: $300–$500/person.

• Processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food tend to cost less per calorie but lack nutritional value.

• Example: A family of 4 might spend $1,200–$2,000/month.

• Health Costs:

• Direct Healthcare Costs:

• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: $9,601/year per person (CDC estimate for diabetes management).

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment: $18,953/year per person (American Heart Association).

• Obesity-related medical costs: $1,429/year higher than for non-obese individuals (CDC).

• Total average chronic disease costs: $5,000–$15,000/year (varies by number and severity of conditions).

• Productivity Costs:

• Loss of workdays and reduced productivity: ~$2,000–$3,000/year per working adult.

Benefits:

• Convenience Savings:

• Minimal time investment in meal prep, potentially reducing food-related labor by 2–5 hours per week.

• Value of saved time: ~$30–$75/week, assuming $15/hour wage.

• Avoided Food Costs:

• Cheaper calorie sources: processed carbs, sugary beverages, and fast food.

2. High-Fat, Low-Carb/Ketogenic Diet (Keto)

Costs:

• Food Costs:

• Average monthly food budget: $400–$800/person.

• Higher costs for quality proteins (e.g., grass-fed beef, free-range chicken) and fats (e.g., olive oil, avocado, nuts).

• Low-carb vegetables, nuts, and specialty keto items can add to the budget.

• Example: A family of 4 might spend $1,600–$3,200/month.

• Lifestyle Costs:

• Meal prep time: 5–10 hours/week.

• Value of time: ~$75–$150/week (assuming $15/hour wage).

• Adaptation phase: Potential short-term supplements (e.g., electrolytes) costing ~$20–$50.

Benefits:

• Health Improvements (Costs Avoided):

• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: Avoids $9,601/year/person.

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Avoids $18,953/year/person.

• Lower obesity-related medical costs: Avoids $1,429/year/person.

• Avoided chronic disease management costs: $5,000–$15,000/year.

• Avoided productivity losses: ~$2,000–$3,000/year per working adult.

Comparison: Annual Cost Estimate

Key Financial Takeaways

1. Standard American Diet:

• Appears more affordable upfront due to lower food costs, but hidden costs from chronic diseases significantly inflate the total annual cost.

• Over 10 years, health and productivity losses can accumulate to $100,000–$240,000/person.

2. Keto/Low-Carb Diet:

• Higher upfront food costs are balanced by avoided chronic disease management expenses.

• Over 10 years, the total cost is significantly lower at $58,000–$116,000/person, primarily due to improved health and productivity.

3. Net Savings with Keto:

• Annual savings: $4,800–$12,400/person.

• Long-term savings: $42,000–$124,000 over 10 years, considering avoided healthcare and productivity losses.