Ketosis and weight gain 😩

(Kristen) #1

Hi!

I’m new to the keto diet. I have been keto for about 1.5 weeks, and am pretty meticulous/obsessive with checking to make sure that what I’m eating is keto friendly. I also use the Keto app to help me track my macros and whatnot. I have consistently remained in ketosis pretty much the entire 1.5 weeks since I’ve started, which is a great sign, but I was really sad to see that I gained 1.5 lbs :sob:. I know it’s only 1.5 lbs, but what is going on? If I’m in ketosis why am I gaining? I am following the keto diet exactly. I follow #keto on Instagram and use what I see for meal options, everything I make is keto friendly, and I always always check for hidden sugar or carbs in things. I feel great, but don’t understand why the weight gain if I am in ketosis.

Can someone please help? Thank you!

(Carl Keller) #2

HI and welcome Kristen. I’m short on time but wanted to quickly say that our body weight can fluctuate daily (1-3 pounds) just from water loss and gains. I doubt you gained fat weight if you are eating mostly fat, moderate protein and low carb.

Also, keep remembering how great you feel and don’t judge your success by the scale. Keto is about healing your body and changing the behavior of your hormones. It often takes people, especially women, a month or more before their body starts giving up body fat.

Be patient and enjoy feeling good. :slight_smile:

(mole person) #3

Are you tracking you carbohydrates to make sure that you are under 20 grams a day?

We will be able to help you better if you tell us a little bit about yourself. First, what’s your age, gender, height and weight? Second, can you tell us everything that you are eating and drinking? With that information we will be able to better tell you if you are doing everything correctly.

(Robert C) #4

Hi @Kah2857 - it is probably best to stay away from the scale for several weeks. Instead, depend on tape measure or clothes tightness.

As well, at this time in your keto journey, you are looking to become a fat-adapted fat burning machine. It is an investment worth making and weight fluctuations (up or down - and usually are about hydration levels) are normal as your body deals with the shock of the dietary change.

If you really want to measure something, get a blood ketone meter and test to ensure you are producing ketones. This will also help you get to know which meals are helping vs. hurting ketone production.

(Gloria Cairns) #5

If I had to guess, I would say it may be due to hormones. I’ve talked to several women on keto who experience this and it’s always VERY temporary (especially for those doing strict keto, which sounds like your method). Without getting overly TMI, I’ll just say that I refuse to weigh myself 3 days prior and during my cycle. It’s my personal sanity saver.

(Empress of the Unexpected) #6

It took me about three weeks to lose the water weight. And the fat weight, that took a few months. But keto does work - I am at maintenance! Just hang in there! Also, being in ketosis does not guarantee weight loss. You need to make the switch to being fat-adapted - that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This is a long-term strategy.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #7

We very often speak of losing “weight,” when what we really want to lose is fat. The ketogenic diet is a way of restoring bodily health, which sometimes involves adding muscle and bone density along with shedding excess fat. Please consider whether the number on the scale is really more important to you than your health. If you were to end up five pounds heavier but with a six-inch smaller waistline, would you really complain? Especially if those extra five pounds came in the form of stronger, calcium-filled bones? Remember, some day you’ll be 80, and it would be nice to fall and not break a hip!

(Empress of the Unexpected) #8

I would mass-murder for that! Sadly, not happening. Scale weight shrinking, belly not so much. There is no way on earth I will ever be Scarlet O’Hara. Born with a thick waist.