Can the keto diet help me lose weight? - Harvard Health (2024)

Can the keto diet help me lose weight?

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Q. My friend says I should do a keto diet to help with my weight loss. What is it, and is it better for weight loss?

A. A ketogenic (keto) diet is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. Most of the body's cells prefer to use blood sugar (glucose) as their main source of energy. The keto diet forces your body to use a different type of fuel. Instead of providing your body with glucose from carbohydrates, the keto diet relies on the liver to break down stored fat into molecules called ketones. (This process is called ketogenesis; that's where the diet's name comes from.)

For most people to begin using stored fat as fuel, they need to limit daily carbohydrate intake to fewer than 20 to 50 grams depending on body size. (For comparison, a medium-sized banana has about 27 grams of carbs.) But this is a highly individualized process, and some people need a more restricted diet to begin producing enough ketones. It typically takes two to four days to reach a state of ketosis (when fat becomes a main source of energy).

There's no shortage of keto-inspired diets. The Atkins, South Beach, and Paleo diets are some of the best-known examples. But a true ketogenic diet is different and calls for up to 90% of your daily calories to come from fat. That is often hard for people to maintain. However, research has shown that people can achieve faster weight loss with a keto diet compared with a calorie-reduction diet. In the short term, a keto diet is probably safe. But over time, it's tough to keep off the weight this way.

If you do try a keto diet to jump-start weight reduction, choose healthier sources of fat and protein, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts (almonds, walnuts). But after a few weeks, switch to a reduced-calorie Mediterranean-style diet and increase your physical activity. This will help manage your weight loss for the long term.

— by Howard LeWine, M.D.
Editor in Chief, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Can the keto diet help me lose weight? - Harvard Health (2024)

FAQs

Can the keto diet help me lose weight? - Harvard Health? ›

In the short term, a keto diet is probably safe. But over time, it's tough to keep off the weight

weight
Average adult human weight varies by continent, from about 60 kg (130 lb) in Asia and Africa to about 80 kg (180 lb) in North America, with men on average weighing more than women.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Human_body_weight
this way. If you do try a keto diet to jump-start weight reduction, choose healthier sources of fat and protein, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts (almonds, walnuts).

Does keto actually help with weight loss? ›

Ketogenic diets can help patients lose about 2 kg more than low-fat diets do at 1 year, but higher-quality studies show no difference. Weight loss peaks at about 5 months but is often not sustained. Individual weight change can vary from losing 30 kg to gaining 10 kg with any diet.

What is keto diet Harvard? ›

The keto diet aims to force your body into using a different type of fuel. Instead of relying on sugar (glucose) that comes from carbohydrates (such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits), the keto diet relies on ketone bodies, a type of fuel that the liver produces from stored fat.

How much weight can you lose in 1 week on keto? ›

1 Week. The great news is, you'll start to see the weight drop off straight away - in the first week of going Keto. Anywhere between 2-10lbs of weight loss can be expected after 1 week. This is an incredible amount, however it isn't due to losing fat, but rather water!

What is the best diet to lose belly fat? ›

Focusing on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choosing lean sources of protein, such as fish and low-fat dairy products. Limiting processed meats, as well as the saturated fat that's found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter.

Does keto really burn belly fat? ›

Abdominal obesity, or excess belly fat, is a serious risk factor for all sorts of metabolic diseases ( 11 , 12 ). This kind of stored fat can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and premature death ( 12 ). Interestingly, a ketogenic diet is a very effective way to lose belly fat.

How quickly will I lose weight on keto? ›

Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level. At first, there may be a quick drop in weight, but it's mainly due to water loss.

How long to lose 20 pounds on keto? ›

“If the patient can maintain a steady calorie deficit, I expect them to lose one to two pounds per week,” says Dr. Seeman. So after 12 weeks, her clients are usually down around 20-25 pounds.

How to speed up weight loss on keto? ›

To maximize weight loss on a ketogenic diet, get adequate sleep, reduce stress, be more active and consume whole, nutritious, low-carb foods whenever possible.

What foods flush out fat? ›

Fat-Fighting Foods
  • Greek Yogurt. 1/26. Greek yogurt has almost twice as much protein as other yogurts. ...
  • Quinoa. 2/26. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a nutritional all-star that belongs in your weight loss plan. ...
  • Cinnamon. 3/26. ...
  • Hot Peppers. 4/26. ...
  • Green Tea. 5/26. ...
  • Grapefruit. 6/26. ...
  • Watermelon. 7/26. ...
  • Pears and Apples. 8/26.
Mar 22, 2024

What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›

Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

What to drink at night to lose belly fat? ›

Drinking water before bed like lemonade contains polyphenols that help to get rid of accumulated fat. Grape juice contains resveratrol, which converts white fat to brown, which is easier to burn. Apple juice, ginger tea or strawberry juice are also effective choices.

Why aren't I losing weight on keto? ›

You're Eating Too Much

They range from your stress and activity levels to the type of food you eat. If you're in ketosis but not losing weight, it could be that you're eating more than your body can burn. Fat has twice the number of calories per gram that protein or carbs do.

How long to lose 40 pounds on keto? ›

With a rate of weight loss of 1-2 pounds each week, about 5-6 months is how long to lose 40 pounds on keto. There are other diets to help you lose 40 pounds fast. But, most of them aren't sustainable for the long term.

How much weight can you lose on keto in 3 months? ›

“If the patient can maintain a steady calorie deficit, I expect them to lose one to two pounds per week,” says Dr. Seeman. So after 12 weeks, her clients are usually down around 20-25 pounds. She adds, however, that this is very patient-specific and would depend on their initial body fat percentage.

How long is it safe to be in ketosis? ›

Gulotta recommends staying on keto for six months max before reintroducing more carbs to your diet. And Scott Keatley, RDN, of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York City, agrees: “The science hasn't gotten to the point where I would be comfortable recommending it as a forever diet,” he says.

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