Ketones and keto: the sober version

This is general information, not medical advice. Always discuss your blood values with your doctor.

1. 1

   What is ketosis?

   On very few carbohydrates (in the studies, at most 50 g a day), your liver turns fat into ketones, an alternative fuel. This is normal in healthy people and different from ketoacidosis, a dangerous derailment that mainly occurs in diabetes.

2. 2

   Slightly more weight loss, no miracle

   A meta-analysis of 13 randomised trials (Bueno et al., 2013, 1,415 participants) found about 0.9 kg more weight loss after at least a year on keto than on a low-fat diet. That difference is statistically significant, but small.

3. 3

   Your blood fats change

   Triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure fell more and HDL rose, but LDL also rose more than on a low-fat diet. If you try keto, it is wise to have your blood values followed up.

Updated in October 2026