Research shows Australia’s government spending on ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy increased 21.6 times between 2009 and 2026, indicating this high-fat, low-carb diet is becoming a mainstream treatment for people whose seizures don’t respond to medications. According to Gram Research analysis, this spending surge reflects growing medical acceptance of the diet as an effective non-drug option for drug-resistant epilepsy.
A new study from Australia shows that a special high-fat, low-carb diet called the ketogenic diet is helping more people with epilepsy who don’t respond well to medicines. Since 2009, the Australian government has spent 21 times more money on this diet therapy through its health program. This suggests doctors and patients are increasingly turning to this diet as a way to control seizures without relying only on medications. The ketogenic diet works by changing how the brain uses energy, which can reduce seizures in people whose epilepsy is hard to treat with drugs alone.
Key Statistics
A 2026 analysis of Australian government health spending found that expenditure on ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy increased 21.6-fold between 2009 and 2026, reflecting significantly increased use of this non-medication treatment approach.
Since ketogenic diet therapy was first approved for government funding in Australia in 2009, annual spending on related items has grown more than 20-fold, suggesting widespread adoption among neurologists treating drug-resistant epilepsy.
Research shows the ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in 30-40% of people with drug-resistant epilepsy, according to clinical trials cited in the Australian spending analysis.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much the Australian government is spending on ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy and whether more people are using it
- Who participated: The study analyzed spending data from Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which tracks government-funded health treatments, from 2009 to 2026
- Key finding: Government spending on ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy increased 21.6 times between 2009 and 2026, showing this treatment is being used much more often
- What it means for you: If you or someone you know has epilepsy that doesn’t respond well to medications, the ketogenic diet is becoming a more recognized and available treatment option in Australia. However, this diet requires medical supervision and isn’t right for everyone
The Research Details
Researchers looked at spending records from Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which is the government program that pays for approved medications and treatments. They tracked how much money was spent on ketogenic diet therapy items from when the first one was approved in 2009 through 2026. By examining these spending patterns, they could see whether doctors and patients were using this treatment more or less over time. This type of analysis is useful because it shows real-world trends in how treatments are actually being used in a country, rather than just what happens in a controlled research setting.
This research approach is important because it shows what’s actually happening in real life, not just in a laboratory. When government spending on a treatment increases dramatically, it usually means doctors have found it works well and patients are benefiting from it. This kind of data helps health officials understand which treatments are becoming more important and whether they need to train more doctors or make the treatment more available to patients who need it.
This study uses official government spending data, which is reliable and accurate. However, the study doesn’t tell us exactly how many patients were treated or how well the diet worked for each person—it only shows spending amounts. The researchers didn’t compare this to other treatments or explain all the reasons why spending increased. To fully understand whether the diet is truly more effective, we would need additional studies that directly measure patient outcomes
What the Results Show
Between 2009 and 2026, spending on ketogenic diet therapy through Australia’s government health program increased by 21.6 times. This massive increase suggests that the ketogenic diet is being used much more frequently as a treatment for epilepsy. The dramatic rise in spending likely reflects growing awareness among doctors that this diet can help people whose seizures don’t respond to standard medications. This trend shows that the ketogenic diet has moved from being a rare, experimental treatment to becoming a more mainstream option in Australia’s healthcare system.
The study indicates that the ketogenic diet is gaining acceptance as a legitimate medical treatment rather than just an alternative therapy. The fact that government funding has increased so substantially suggests that health officials and insurance programs recognize its value. This increased investment may also mean that more hospitals and clinics are now offering this treatment, making it more accessible to patients who need it
Gram Research analysis shows this finding aligns with international trends showing the ketogenic diet’s growing role in epilepsy treatment. Previous research has established that the ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in 30-40% of people with drug-resistant epilepsy. This Australian spending data confirms that what research has shown in clinical trials is translating into real-world medical practice, with more patients actually receiving this treatment
This study only looks at spending data, not actual patient outcomes or how many people were treated. We don’t know if the spending increase means more patients are being helped or if it’s just more expensive products being used. The study doesn’t explain why spending increased—it could be due to more patients, higher prices, or both. To truly understand the diet’s effectiveness, we would need studies that directly measure how well it works for individual patients
The Bottom Line
If you have epilepsy that doesn’t respond well to medications, discuss the ketogenic diet with your neurologist (a doctor who specializes in brain and nerve conditions). This diet shows strong evidence of reducing seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the ketogenic diet requires careful planning and medical supervision—it’s not something to try on your own. A dietitian who specializes in this diet should help you plan meals and monitor your health. Confidence level: High for drug-resistant epilepsy; moderate for other types of epilepsy
This research is most relevant for people with drug-resistant epilepsy (seizures that don’t stop with medications) and their families. Neurologists and epilepsy specialists should be aware of this growing trend. People with other types of epilepsy that respond well to medications probably don’t need this diet. Pregnant women, people with certain liver or kidney problems, and those with a history of kidney stones should not use this diet without careful medical evaluation
Some people see improvements in seizure control within days to weeks of starting the ketogenic diet, while others take several months to notice benefits. Most people who will benefit from the diet show results within 3-6 months. However, this is not a quick fix—it requires long-term commitment and ongoing medical monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ketogenic diet help control epilepsy seizures?
The ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in 30-40% of people with drug-resistant epilepsy (seizures that don’t respond to medications). Australia’s government spending on this treatment increased 21.6 times since 2009, showing it’s becoming a mainstream medical option. However, it requires medical supervision and isn’t suitable for everyone.
How long does it take for the ketogenic diet to work for epilepsy?
Some people experience seizure reduction within days to weeks, while others take several months. Most people who benefit show results within 3-6 months. Results vary significantly between individuals, so patience and medical monitoring are essential during the adjustment period.
Is the ketogenic diet safe for treating epilepsy?
The ketogenic diet is safe for epilepsy when supervised by a doctor and dietitian specializing in this treatment. However, it’s not appropriate for pregnant women, people with liver or kidney disease, or those with kidney stone history. Regular medical monitoring is necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why is the ketogenic diet becoming more popular for epilepsy treatment?
Australia’s 21.6-fold increase in government spending on ketogenic diet therapy since 2009 reflects growing medical evidence of its effectiveness for drug-resistant epilepsy. More doctors now recognize it as a legitimate treatment option, and increased availability has made it more accessible to patients who need it.
Do I need to stop my epilepsy medications if I try the ketogenic diet?
Never stop epilepsy medications without consulting your neurologist. The ketogenic diet is typically used alongside medications, not as a replacement. Your doctor may adjust medication doses as the diet takes effect, but this requires professional medical supervision to prevent dangerous seizures.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track seizure frequency daily (number of seizures per day) and note any changes in seizure severity or duration. Record this alongside diet adherence to identify patterns
- If starting a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, use the app to log meals and track macronutrient ratios (fat, protein, carbohydrates) to maintain proper ketogenic balance as prescribed by your dietitian
- Create weekly summaries comparing seizure patterns to diet adherence and share these reports with your neurologist during regular check-ins to evaluate treatment effectiveness
This article discusses research about ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy and should not be considered medical advice. The ketogenic diet is a serious medical treatment that requires supervision by a neurologist and registered dietitian. Do not start, stop, or change any epilepsy treatment or medication without consulting your doctor first. Individual results vary significantly, and this diet is not appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and those taking specific medications should not use this diet without medical clearance. Always work with qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to epilepsy treatment.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.