Keto Means
Photo by Ylanite Koppens Pexels Logo Photo: Ylanite Koppens

What can I expect on keto Week 1?

Anecdotally, people report losses within the first week of anywhere from 1 pound (0.5 kg) to 10 or more pounds (5 kg). The larger you are, the more water weight you're likely to lose after starting keto. Although, it's unlikely that much of this initial weight loss is fat loss.

Can I lose weight only eating eggs?
Can I lose weight only eating eggs?

The boiled-egg diet is a fad diet that requires eating only eggs, some fruit, nonstarchy vegetables, lean protein, and some fat, and it promises to...

Read More »
What foods make live longer?
What foods make live longer?

Whole grains Eating more whole grains — think brown rice, bran, oatmeal, popcorn, couscous, quinoa — may reduce the risk of early death, according...

Read More »

Though the low carb, high fat keto diet was originally devised to help treat epilepsy, many people are turning to it to lose weight. According to some research, it provides several advantages over other diets, including making it easier to burn your stored body fat, maintain your metabolic rate (the calories you burn at rest), and feel more full on fewer calories ( 1 , 2 , 3 ). That said, you may wonder how much weight you can expect to lose in your first week on keto. Many people report extreme weight loss when first starting the diet. However, much of this can be attributed to water losses. This article reviews how much weight you can expect to lose on your first week of keto. Share on Pinterest mapodile/Getty Images Entering ketosis On keto, you strictly limit your carb intake, typically to 50 grams or fewer per day of total carbs, or 25 grams or fewer of net carbs, which are total carbs minus fiber. For most people, carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. When you limit carbs, your body burns through the carb stores in your muscles and liver — called glycogen — typically within a few days ( 4 , 5 ). After this, your body switches to a metabolic state called ketosis, in which it uses ketones that are broken down from dietary fat or stored body fat, as its primary source of fuel ( 4 , 5 ). This shift, during which you burn through your glycogen stores and switch to using ketones, usually takes less than a week. However, for some people, it may take longer ( 4 , 5 ). Many people notice dramatic weight loss during this transition period after first starting the keto diet, but most of this is due to changes in water weight ( 6 ). Summary When you restrict carbs on keto, your body rapidly burns through glycogen, the stored carbs in your liver and muscles. After your glycogen stores are depleted, you shift to burning fat. Many people notice dramatic weight loss during this transition. Early weight loss is water weight The glycogen stored in your muscles and liver is bound with water, typically at a ratio of 3 grams of water for each gram of glycogen ( 6 ). When you burn through these stored carbs, this water is excreted in your urine or sweat ( 6 ). As such, after starting keto, you may notice that you have to urinate more often and feel much thirstier than normal. You may also notice large weight losses, which are mostly water-weight losses ( 6 , 7 ). Depending on your size and how much water weight you’re carrying, this weight loss can vary. Anecdotally, people report losses within the first week of anywhere from 1 pound (0.5 kg) to 10 or more pounds (5 kg). The larger you are, the more water weight you’re likely to lose after starting keto. Although, it’s unlikely that much of this initial weight loss is fat loss. However, once you enter ketosis, it’s much easier to utilize your own stored fat for energy, which is one reason why the keto diet may be advantageous for weight loss ( 3 ). Summary When you burn through glycogen, your body releases the water that was bound to it. Much of your early weight loss is probably due to these water losses. Still, you’ll burn more stored body fat once you’re fully in ketosis.

Can you eat 1 meal a day?
Can you eat 1 meal a day?

Eating one meal a day is unlikely to give you the calories and nutrients your body needs to thrive unless carefully planned. Choosing to eat within...

Read More »
Is it better to take fiber in the morning or at night?
Is it better to take fiber in the morning or at night?

Try the experts' advice: Spread out your high-fiber foods evenly throughout your day. When it comes to eating fiber, the best time is any time. The...

Read More »

When you lose weight does your face get smaller?
When you lose weight does your face get smaller?

Often, extra fat in your face is the result of excess body fat. Losing weight can contribute to fat loss and help slim down your body and face....

Read More »
How much weight does 10000 steps lose?
How much weight does 10000 steps lose?

What is 10000 Steps Equal To? “But,” continues Jamie, “if you walk briskly for 30 minutes and include enough activity throughout the day to reach...

Read More »
What are the worst vegetables for inflammation?
What are the worst vegetables for inflammation?

Nightshade Vegetables Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical...

Read More »
Why am I not losing weight but look slimmer?
Why am I not losing weight but look slimmer?

If you're losing inches but maintaining your weight and you regularly strength train, you may actually be losing fat and gaining muscle. The...

Read More »