Keto Means
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When do you start to notice weight loss?

The first stage of weight loss is when you tend to lose the most weight and begin to notice changes in your appearance and how your clothes fit. It usually happens within the first 4–6 weeks ( 1 ). Most of the weight loss in this stage comes from carb stores, protein, and water — and to a lesser extent, body fat.

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This article reviews the stages of weight loss, the difference between weight loss and fat loss, and tips for preventing weight regain. At the same time, you may also want to know whether the weight you’re losing is coming from fat rather than muscle or water. If you’re like most people, you may be eager to know when you can expect to see results after embarking on your weight loss journey. Weight loss generally occurs in two stages — an early, rapid weight loss stage followed by a slower, longer period of weight loss ( 1 ).

Stage 1 — Rapid weight loss

The first stage of weight loss is when you tend to lose the most weight and begin to notice changes in your appearance and how your clothes fit. It usually happens within the first 4–6 weeks ( 1 ). Most of the weight loss in this stage comes from carb stores, protein, and water — and to a lesser extent, body fat. Weight loss tends to occur more rapidly in people who follow a low carb or keto diet than those who follow a low fat diet, as they deplete their body’s carb stores faster, along with water ( 2 ). However, in the long term, the research remains mixed as to whether a low carb or keto diet offers an advantage for overall weight loss over a low fat diet ( 3 , 4 , 5 ). Factors other than diet, including your age, sex, starting weight, and physical activity level, can also influence your rate of weight loss. For example, men are more likely to lose weight quicker than women, and older adults may lose weight quicker than their younger counterparts, although some of this weight loss may be muscle ( 6 , 7 ). At the same time, you’re likely to lose weight quicker if you have a higher starting weight and exercise more frequently.

Stage 2 — Slow weight loss

Weight loss in the second stage occurs at a much slower rate, but it primarily comes from body fat, generally after 6 weeks and beyond ( 1 ). At times, you may experience a weight loss plateau during which you experience little to no weight loss. Weight loss plateaus can occur due to metabolic adaptations that decrease your metabolism and the number of calories you burn while exercising ( 8 ). However, weight loss plateaus more commonly occur because many diets are overly restrictive and hard to follow, causing people to deviate from them ( 9 ). As such, it’s important to follow a dietary pattern that fits your lifestyle and preferences so that you can stick with it long term. In either case, you’ll likely need to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle over time to reach your goal.

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Can I lose weight without exercising?

You can lose weight by eating less, but adding physical activity allows you to burn more calories than dieting alone. Any weight-loss plan that includes regular exercise is not only more successful — it's also healthier. By eating a healthy diet and exercising, you're keeping your bones, muscles, and heart strong.

Could you really lose weight just by eating healthy and not exercising?

– Karley*

Eating a healthy diet does not ensure that you will lose weight. Your weight is a balance between the calories you take in and the calories you burn. You will lose weight if you burn off more calories than you take in, and you will gain weight if you eat more calories than you burn off. You can lose weight by eating less, but adding physical activity allows you to burn more calories than dieting alone. Any weight-loss plan that includes regular exercise is not only more successful — it's also healthier. By eating a healthy diet and exercising, you're keeping your bones, muscles, and heart strong. You also lower your chances of getting certain health problems, like high blood pressure and diabetes. Rather than dieting, focus on healthy habits, like eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising. Even if you don't lose weight, you will be healthier and you will feel and look better too.

If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

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