‘Why am I not losing weight on the keto diet?’

Can I do the keto diet without having a gallbladder? Why am I so tired following the keto diet? And, why has my resting heart rate increased since starting keto?
Get the answers to these and other questions in this week’s Q&A with me:
Weight loss and why the keto diet is not working yet
I have been on the keto diet for 2½ weeks. I lost 6 pounds the first week and nothing since. I did the 30-day challenge and then used the meal planner for this week. I have not gone off plan and enjoying the food. Last week I tried skipping breakfast to see if that would do anything. I also can’t get any ketones to register not even a slight amount. I am obese, so lots of weight to lose. What am I doing wrong?
Dianne
Hi Dianne,
Losing 6 pounds is a decent start! It’s common that people lose quite a bit of weight in the first week, and after that it usually slows down to 1-2 pounds per week, sometimes less. This can still lead to massive weight loss in the long run.
Maybe you’re doing nothing wrong, and persistance is all you need. It can take time for people who are very insulin resistant to get into ketosis. However, it may also be that you eat more carbs than you know, and it can be helpful to share a day of foods with someone knowledgeable to see if there are some improvements to do. More intermittent fasting can also be helpful.
Here are all our best tips:
How to lose weight
Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt
Can I follow a keto diet without a gallbladder?
I have recently had my gallbladder removed. I have been advised to limit fat in my diet. Is there a supplement I can take to aid the digestion of fat on the keto way of eating.
Thank you,
Sally
Sally,
Anecdotally, many people do well even without a gall bladder, at least after having some time to adapt. Worst case it can result in diarrhea. Eating smaller servings of fat at the same time may be helpful.
Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt
Why am I so tired?
I have been eating low carb for six months. Weight loss stalled, and I began to measure veggies. I was eating too many, but since I lowered my veggie carbs to less than 20 grams, I have been so tired. Help, I have yet to feel the increased energy. Just recently started to get pink on my urine stick (2 days). I am taking salt and drinking lots of water. How long will it take?
Gwen
Hi Gwen!
It’s normal to feel tired at least for a few days or a week, as the body adapts to burning fat. Getting enough fluid and salt, for example a cup of bouillon daily or twice daily can help a lot.
Also, if you’re on medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, contact your doctor for testing. It may be that you need to reduce the doses.
If nothing helps and you keep feeling poorly, it can be beneficial to eat a bit more carbs (perhaps 50 grams per day) for a while, and let the body have more time to adapt.
If things don’t improve despite that, you may want to consult with a doctor to make sure it’s not something unrelated.
Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt
Resting heart rate increase
I am slightly alarmed as my resting heart rate has gone from 58 to 67 since starting keto four weeks ago. I have lost a few pounds which I wanted to. I’m a ‘fit’ 53-year-old woman. I do twice weekly weight training and play cardio games like tennis and badminton 4 times a week too. What has caused such a leap in my heart rate and what should I do? Is it a good or bad thing?! Very grateful for some advice as I cannot go to my doctor as I’m pretty sure they will know nothing of keto.
Thanks,
Heather
Hi Heather,
This is quite common and most likely not something to worry about. Learn more here.
Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt
More
Intermittent fasting for beginners
More questions and answers
Many more questions and answers:
69 comments
It can be tough to say. If you are eating adequate protein, you should not be losing muscle. Here's a good article that may be helpful.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
I have been doing keto and intermittent fasting for 5 weeks and just recently lost 5 pounds last week. Why am I not loosing more weight?
This is very frustrating. And also I tried using those keto sticks to let you know if you are in ketosis and it reads that I’m totally out of ketosis. What am I doing wrong?
You may not be doing anything wrong! Sometimes it takes time for our bodies to heal before weight loss can take full effect. You may find this article helpful! https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight I also wouldn't worry about the urine testing strips. That are known to be inaccurate. Check out this article about testing for more info! https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/ketone-testing-three-ways
I have started the keto date since 3weeks but Unfortunately I’m not losing weight. I test the keto level everyday and I’m in ketosis (level 8) !
Why I can’t lose weight?!
These articles may be helpful for you! Keep it up!
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight/realistic-expectations
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
Two pounds , zero measurement change? Very disappointed considering the fasting days almost killed me.
I feel the pain of a let down
Hi, Patty! We would not recommend programs like speed keto because fasting should come naturally.
Forcing a fast can be counterproductive. Here are our top tips for weight loss!
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
You may also be interested in signing up for one of our challenges! These provide you with guidance, meal plans, shopping lists, and support! https://www.dietdoctor.com/which-diet-doctor-program-is-right-for-you
I am sorry that you are not seeing the success you had anticipated. You may find some troubleshooting tips at this link.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
I am moving from 1st week to 2nd week , within 5 days I lost 4lbs . But last day I have checked I gained Weight again .why is this Weight fluctuations . Am I doing wrong ?
You may be doing nothing wrong as weight loss is not linear. Your weight will fluctuate throughout the day and from day to day. It is the overall downward trend you should look for.
You can find our top weight loss tips on this article.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
Insulin resistance? Betta Blockers? I know I am frustrated.
In the question above regarding weight loss, insulin resistance is mentioned along with the suggestion that nothing may be wrong. With limited information, some assumptions may be made in order to provide sufficient response to answer a poster's question. At Diet Doctor, we do not recommend and here is why https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/calories
The guide Dr. Eenfeldt linked above is a tremendous resource to guide weight loss and includes relevant information about eating to hunger in #2 and #4. https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
Bonniel, eating real, whole foods is the best way to maintain your health and lose weight. Check out our two week Get Started Challenge to see what a difference it can make https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started
I am very confused. I have been on the keto diet for 3 months now following diet doctor meal plans making sure I'm eating under 20net carbs per day its avraged out at 18. I lost 4kg in the first 2 weeks after that I gained 2kg and hit a stall in weight loss. I cook for the family and they are losing weight especially my husband his lost 10kg
What is it I'm doing wrong? Do thyroid problems stop weight loss ? I'm really disheartened as I'm obese and really wanted to lose the weight 60kg is my goal weight
Thyroid issues may hinder weight loss, but don't usually make it impossible! Here is our top weight loss guide where you can review other issues that may be a factor.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
Hi, Michelle! There are some great resources here that may be helpful for you! https://www.dietdoctor.com/weight-loss/how-to-lose-weight