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How long it takes for weight loss from a keto diet varies for everyone. On average, individuals can start seeing results after just one week on the plan.
However, it’s essential to remember that the initial weight loss on the keto diet is water weight and will slow down after 1-2 weeks. Excess weight loss can lead to health issues like dehydration, mood swings, irritability and weakness.
How to Start
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb meal plan that forces your body to burn fat instead of glucose for energy. It can be an effective way to shed pounds and improve health overall.
Keto may help reduce acne and psoriasis, especially for those who were previously addicted to sugary foods. Unfortunately, it may also lead to an unpleasant side effect known as the keto flu.
Week 1
When starting the keto diet, you may experience weight loss of between 2-10lbs the first week. This is mostly water weight, but once your body switches over to burning ketones for fuel after three months of keto eating, fat loss begins.
It’s essential to drink plenty of water during this period, as the high concentrations of ketones can cause dehydration.
Week 2
The initial week of keto can be challenging, but eventually you’ll start feeling better and losing weight. To ensure a successful transition, drink plenty of water throughout this week to stay hydrated.
At this stage, many people experience weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week on keto. Don’t fret if your progress slows down – it’s completely normal!
Week 3
As you progress with the keto diet, your body will enter a metabolic state known as ketosis. In this state, fat is burned instead of carbs for energy production.
During your first week, you may experience significant water weight loss. This is completely normal.
Week 4
The keto diet forces your body to switch its metabolism from using sugar for fuel (glucose) to producing ketone bodies.
Ketosis can take a few days, but you can expedite the process by cutting your carb intake to 20-50 grams daily.
At first, you’ll experience water weight and a few extra pounds as your body adjusts to the new eating regimen. Over time, however, the decrease in weight should become steady as your metabolism adjusts to the new eating pattern.
Week 5
If you’re trying to shed some pounds, the keto diet can be an effective tool. But it’s essential that you understand how the diet works in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Reduce your carb intake and your body will begin to burn glycogen first, freeing up water stored for fat storage.
Week 6
A keto diet typically limits carbohydrate consumption to less than 25 grams a day and emphasizes healthy fats. This helps you enter ketosis, where your body switches from burning glucose for energy to burning fat instead.
Santos-Prowse estimates that with a properly planned keto diet, you can expect to shed one pound per week.
Week 7
If your weight loss efforts seem to have plateaued, it could be that something needs to be adjusted. Your body is adapting to ketosis and it may take some time for your system to get used to burning fat instead of carbohydrates as fuel source.
Your weight may plateau during this period. This is perfectly normal and expected.
Week 8
Keto dieting can be effective for fat loss, but the results you experience depend on your individual body and how long you remain in ketosis.
On your initial weeks or two on keto, you may experience significant water weight loss as your body releases glycogen stores. This is actually a precursor to fat loss; once ketosis kicks in and that weight starts melting away, the effects will be felt throughout every aspect of life.
Week 9
Starting a keto diet can cause your body to initially shed water weight as your body burns off all its glycogen reserves before burning fat as fuel.
Once you reach full ketosis, you should begin to experience real and lasting fat loss – usually within a few weeks.