• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Is this rapid weight loss in ketosis normal?

Alisonjane10

Alisonjane10

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,671
Location
England. (North East)
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
Hello folks

I've been following a low carb diet, moderate fat intake for 2 months now. After asking tons of questions on this marvellous forum, I've learnt how this way of eating works. Via testing, I know I am consistently in nutritional ketosis. I am currently losing about a 1LB a day in weight...which is great. But, is it normal? I'm aware other members have achieved huge weight loss whilst eating LCHF. But I'm unsure of the overall timescale. Recent blood screening shows I don't have thyroid problems. All advice gratefully received.

Ali. X
 
Alisonjane10 said:
Hello folks

I've been following a low carb diet, moderate fat intake for 2 months now. After asking tons of questions on this marvellous forum, I've learnt how this way of eating works. Via testing, I know I am consistently in nutritional ketosis. I am currently losing about a 1LB a day in weight...which is great. But, is it normal? I'm aware other members have achieved huge weight loss whilst eating LCHF. But I'm unsure of the overall timescale. Recent blood screening shows I don't have thyroid problems. All advice gratefully received.

Ali. X
Click to expand...

So, in two months you have lost 4 stones? At the outset, how much did you have to lose, and how close are you now to your target?
 
AndBreathe said:
So, in two months you have lost 4 stones? At the outset, how much did you have to lose, and how close are you now to your target?
Click to expand...

Hi AndBreathe

Perhaps I should have explained myself better. So here goes. Since diagnosis in January, I followed what I had been advised was a healthy diet, with plenty of whole grains, fruit etc. I was frustrated that my blood glucose remained in the mid to high teens despite oral medication. Clearly I was making several basic mistakes when I thought I was eating healthily. Other forum members educated me about LCHF eating, which I decided to try. Over the next week, my blood glucose levels came right down & I was able to reduce my medication. I was eating around 50g of carbs a day when I first began clean eating & LCHF. But, For the last month, maybe a little longer, I've reduced this even more as I want to stop my prescribed Gliclazide completely, preferring to be on Metformin only. My carb intake right now is no more than 20g, & to be honest usually much much less. I haven't got much of an appetite so suspect my intake is low in calories too. When testing, my Ketostix indicate my Ketone level at 4.0, which is "Moderate." This is with a BG level of 5.5 on average. Members have told me that I have reached nutritional ketosis & that my body is now burning fat in the absence of carbs. So, since reducing my carbs to less than 20g each day, my weight loss has increased and with my current level of ketosis, I'm losing on average 1LB per day. This week alone I have lost 5LB since Sunday. And last week I lost 6LB. My husband & family have commented on how skinny I'm becoming...which I'm not. But in comparison to what I was 4 months ago, I'm over 3 stone lighter. But the rapid weight loss has certainly been more evident since my diet changed to very low carb. I guess what I'm wondering is whether this is normal when in ketosis, & is it healthy. I do feel dizzy at times, but have put that down to the medication.
 
Alisonjane10 said:
Hi AndBreathe

Perhaps I should have explained myself better. So here goes. Since diagnosis in January, I followed what I had been advised was a healthy diet, with plenty of whole grains, fruit etc. I was frustrated that my blood glucose remained in the mid to high teens despite oral medication. Clearly I was making several basic mistakes when I thought I was eating healthily. Other forum members educated me about LCHF eating, which I decided to try. Over the next week, my blood glucose levels came right down & I was able to reduce my medication. I was eating around 50g of carbs a day when I first began clean eating & LCHF. But, For the last month, maybe a little longer, I've reduced this even more as I want to stop my prescribed Gliclazide completely, preferring to be on Metformin only. My carb intake right now is no more than 20g, & to be honest usually much much less. I haven't got much of an appetite so suspect my intake is low in calories too. When testing, my Ketostix indicate my Ketone level at 4.0, which is "Moderate." This is with a BG level of 5.5 on average. Members have told me that I have reached nutritional ketosis & that my body is now burning fat in the absence of carbs. So, since reducing my carbs to less than 20g each day, my weight loss has increased and with my current level of ketosis, I'm losing on average 1LB per day. This week alone I have lost 5LB since Sunday. And last week I lost 6LB. My husband & family have commented on how skinny I'm becoming...which I'm not. But in comparison to what I was 4 months ago, I'm over 3 stone lighter. But the rapid weight loss has certainly been more evident since my diet changed to very low carb. I guess what I'm wondering is whether this is normal when in ketosis, & is it healthy. I do feel dizzy at times, but have put that down to the medication.
Click to expand...

So, in reality, the statement of about a pound a day is over the last two weeks, with more being lost over three or four months?

Assuming that is the case, I wouldn't be too concerned about the rapidity of the weightloss, at this early stage of very low carbing, but I would be concerned about the light headedness, if it continues.

When we lose weight, it is often from places we'd rather not. For example, in we women, it's often our faces, necks and bosoms. That's particularly annoying as it's not usually where we carry most, and it's where we can look a bit drawn. Well, the face and neck that is. In my experience, over a period your body sort of catches up, and also people get used to seeing the slimmer you.

How much more weight do you have to lose? That would probably influence anything else I might say.
 
simply, you aren't eating enough and are calorie restricting
I would bring you ketones back to around 2..also the urine keto stiks will stop being accurate and read under..google that to see why.
upload_2015-4-11_2-38-26.png
 
AndBreathe said:
So, in reality, the statement of about a pound a day is over the last two weeks, with more being lost over three or four months?

Assuming that is the case, I wouldn't be too concerned about the rapidity of the weightloss, at this early stage of very low carbing, but I would be concerned about the light headedness, if it continues.

When we lose weight, it is often from places we'd rather not. For example, in we women, it's often our faces, necks and bosoms. That's particularly annoying as it's not usually where we carry most, and it's where we can look a bit drawn. Well, the face and neck that is. In my experience, over a period your body sort of catches up, and also people get used to seeing the slimmer you.

How much more weight do you have to lose? That would probably influence anything else I might say.
Click to expand...


Yeah AndBreathe,

I guess that's a more realistic assessment. But I've lost over a stone in 3 weeks. What I don't want is for the weight loss to continue at this pace leaving me with saggy skin & loss of muscle mass. I'm losing inches all over to be honest...legs, tummy n butt are noticeably slimmer. But yeah, the face, neck & chest too. Dropped 4 dress sizes since Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I welcome this. And it's nice to get my figure back. I just want to lose weight healthily & was worried if I continue as I am, such weight loss could be detrimental. I still have several stone to lose to get to where I'd be happy. So all and any advice is welcome.

Ali. X
 
Alisonjane10 said:
Yeah AndBreathe,

I guess that's a more realistic assessment. But I've lost over a stone in 3 weeks. What I don't want is for the weight loss to continue at this pace leaving me with saggy skin & loss of muscle mass. I'm losing inches all over to be honest...legs, tummy n butt are noticeably slimmer. But yeah, the face, neck & chest too. Dropped 4 dress sizes since Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I welcome this. And it's nice to get my figure back. I just want to lose weight healthily & was worried if I continue as I am, such weight loss could be detrimental. I still have several stone to lose to get to where I'd be happy. So all and any advice is welcome.

Ali. X
Click to expand...

Well, for my 2p worth, you probably need to eat more. You will only burn muscle if you aren't eating enough, and your body is starving.

Obviously, I'd be suggesting keeping lower carb, but the levels you are at are pretty brutal. More fat, and maybe more protein would help. As we're all a bit different, you have to experiment to a degree. Tight blood scores were always my primary objective, but a nice low HbA1c or finger prick testing is irrelevant if it's killing you to achieve it.

I won't suggest moderation in all things, except to maybe suggest you moderate your approach a bit.
 
AndBreathe said:
Well, for my 2p worth, you probably need to eat more. You will only burn muscle if you aren't eating enough, and your body is starving.

Obviously, I'd be suggesting keeping lower carb, but the levels you are at are pretty brutal. More fat, and maybe more protein would help. As we're all a bit different, you have to experiment to a degree. Tight blood scores were always my primary objective, but a nice low HbA1c or finger prick testing is irrelevant if it's killing you to achieve it.

I won't suggest moderation in all things, except to maybe suggest you moderate your approach a bit.
Click to expand...

Good advice. Your last comment isn't what I'd call subtle, but it made me smile. Maybe I'm guilty of wanting things to happen too quickly..that's the personality & nothing else I'm afraid. Oh well! Time for some sf jelly & double cream me thinks. Thanks. Your 2p worth was welcome.

Ali. X
 
Alisonjane10 said:
Good advice. Your last comment isn't what I'd call subtle, but it made me smile. Maybe I'm guilty of wanting things to happen too quickly..that's the personality & nothing else I'm afraid. Oh well! Time for some sf jelly & double cream me thinks. Thanks. Your 2p worth was welcome.

Ali. X
Click to expand...
It was never intended to be subtle.
 
My 2ps worth, If you were diagnosed in Jan, and been having meds, did they test you for gad antibodies. If your bg was to shoot up you'd be in serious trouble immediately with the ketones already present at that level. as per the other advice try to bring them down. it was when people kept telling me id lost alot of weight I went to docs and diagnosed type 1. Shortly after starting on insulin I needed little to none afterwards, and, had I been out on oral meds initially I may of got on ok for a while as my pancreas had a second go before packing up. I'm just being cautious telling you so keep testing regular and stay safe.
 
AndBreathe said:
It was never intended to be subtle.
Click to expand...

I'm afraid my humour may be lost on some. Your "subtle" works for me is all I meant. I've taken your advice on board though, and agree, my low carb regime is brutal compared to some. There's soooo much to learn about this disease, and how to "master" it. I guess just moving in the right direction with good BG, HbA1c, weight loss & low risk of diabetic complications should be my priority. :)
 
brett said:
My 2ps worth, If you were diagnosed in Jan, and been having meds, did they test you for gad antibodies. If your bg was to shoot up you'd be in serious trouble immediately with the ketones already present at that level. as per the other advice try to bring them down. it was when people kept telling me id lost alot of weight I went to docs and diagnosed type 1. Shortly after starting on insulin I needed little to none afterwards, and, had I been out on oral meds initially I may of got on ok for a while as my pancreas had a second go before packing up. I'm just being cautious telling you so keep testing regular and stay safe.
Click to expand...


Hi Brett

I just had to google GAD antibodies. Interesting information. And no, I haven't been tested. I hear what you're saying about the ketone level...and clearly I need to adjust my diet to ensure my nutritional ketosis happens in the optimum level as shown in the graph above posted by jack412. I'm still learning how to cope with & manage my disease, and I'm impatient. Not always helpful. Your advice to keep testing regularly is sensible, and I appreciate you replying to my question. Educating myself further, & learning through experience seems to be my way forward. I hope I don't make TOO many mistakes as I get there! Best wishes & thanks.

Ali. X
 
I'm new to the form diagnosed 2012 type 2 been trying to lose weight cutting down watching what I have been eating and exercise not to successful but after reading all comments it sounds like you you basically have to starve yourself to control your B'S surely loosening over a stone in 3 weeks is not really the healthy way or is it aĺbeit good on you and as long as your happy but we're the life in all this
 
DannyMac said:
I'm new to the form diagnosed 2012 type 2 been trying to lose weight cutting down watching what I have been eating and exercise not to successful but after reading all comments it sounds like you you basically have to starve yourself to control your B'S surely loosening over a stone in 3 weeks is not really the healthy way or is it aĺbeit good on you and as long as your happy but we're the life in all this
Click to expand...
You don't have to starve to bring your BS under control. I have cut down on my carbs, although l still have some cereals, bread and potatoes with little affect on my BS and eat full fat instead of low fat foods and am losing about 2 lb per week and keeping my BS between 4 and 5. It's not the faster way but for me it works!
 
I don't understand how you'd get a BSs of 5.5mmols and have ketones of 4.0. I thought ketones occurred in the system when your BSs were over 14mmols and higher. My meter also bleeps if I'm over 14mmols to check for ketones.
 
Jeez I really really envy you. I've been below 20g of carbs for 24 days now. I haven't lost a pound. It's pretty defeating to be honest.
 
dawnmc said:
Jeez I really really envy you. I've been below 20g of carbs for 24 days now. I haven't lost a pound. It's pretty defeating to be honest.
Click to expand...
Are you eating enough calories or full fat? Have you had your thyroid checked? Due to my metabolism I cannot lose weight on a VLC diet and have lost more weight since beginning treatment for under active thyroid and eating full, as opposed to, low fat foods.
 
nigelho said:
I don't understand how you'd get a BSs of 5.5mmols and have ketones of 4.0. I thought ketones occurred in the system when your BSs were over 14mmols and higher. My meter also bleeps if I'm over 14mmols to check for ketones.
Click to expand...
Hi. I think you'll find that ketones are the result of fat burning which is independent of blood sugar (Ketosis). I suspect the meter bleeps when over 14mmol because ketones in the presence of high blood suagr could mean Ketoacidosis which is dangerous whereas Ketosis isn't.
 
Back
Top