Understanding Ketostix Readings on a Keto Diet: Burning Fat vs. Ketones

Question
WHEN ON A LOW CARB  RELATIVELY HIGH FAT DIET, DOES THE KETO STIX REFLECK THE BURNING OF CONSUMED FAT, STORED FAT OR BOTH?

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

This is a matter of terminology. In fact, if we use a strict scientific term 'lipolysis' to describe the process for burning the body fat for fuel, then the ketostick turning purple means yes, we burn the body fat. However, it only can turn purple when you burn a large amount of fat so that the _excess_ ketones are discarded in the urine. When all ketone bodies are used up for body's energy needs, there is no color change!

There's another type of lipolysis when the fats in the food we eat are breaking down to simpler substances. These substances cant influence the color of your ketostick until they are absorbed in the intestines, go into the blood and are escorted to the body's fat stores. After that, they can go out of the fat cells, be burnt for fuel, and excess of them get into urine.

Tanya Zilberter, PhD