Beta Hydroxybutyric acid

ß-Hydroxybutyric acid in serum, ketones, ß-ketones, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate.

A low-carb diet such as the ketogenic diet is not new. It has only grown tremendously in popularity. It was first popularized by the Atkins diet in the 1990s.
A low-carb or no-carb diet is tremendously effective in reducing body fat. People who follow the diet are generally less hungry and crave sweets less. There is a chance of fatigue in the beginning but after a few days this lessens once the body starts to get used to the new fuel.

It is possible to lose weight with the ketogenic diet without exercising. Exercising is less easy to maintain during the ketogenic diet. There are no glycogen stores that can provide energy during an intense workout.

How does the ketogenic diet help with losing weight?

The ketogenic diet is based on ketosis. This is a natural state in which the body uses fats as fuel instead of carbohydrates. The human body is used to breaking down carbohydrates into glucose that can be used as energy. The energy is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. The glucose that is not used as energy is stored as fat.

In the ketogenic diet no carbohydrates are eaten so the glycogen stores are not replenished. The glycogen stores then become empty. The body then has to look for another source of energy. The body then chooses fats for energy. The energy is needed for the basic functions of the body but also for all other activities.

The ketogenic diet helps regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels almost do not rise during a ketogenic diet. This is because all the sugars that affect blood sugar levels are carbohydrates and these are not eaten during the ketogenic diet. Because blood sugar levels remain at a stable level, there is less desire for sweets and less insulin is produced. A stable blood sugar level has several advantages for losing weight. It makes losing weight easier.