The principles behind the ketogenic diet emphasize very low carbohydrate intake, moderate protein, and high fat consumption. This dietary approach encourages the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss and improved energy levels. The ketogenic diet may also help manage certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy. The key to its effectiveness is maintaining a strict balance of macronutrients, allowing the body to efficiently utilize fats as energy sources while reducing the dependency on glucose.