ketogenic

adjective

ke·​to·​gen·​ic ˌkē-tō-ˈje-nik How to pronounce ketogenic (audio)
1
: producing or involved in the formation of ketone bodies
ketogenic amino acids
also : marked by the presence of ketone bodies
a ketogenic state
2
: of, relating to, or caused by a ketogenic diet
ketogenic weight loss
ketogenic meals

Examples of ketogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brain benefits of a ketogenic or keto diet, which is high in fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates, have been known for some time. New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025 Establish a schedule: Establish a clear cycling schedule that suits your lifestyle, alternating between ketogenic and higher carbohydrate days. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 Implement the keto phase: During the ketogenic phase, eat high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate meals. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 The vegetarian keto diet aspects of both the vegetarian and ketogenic (keto) diets into one nutritional plan. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Health 5 diet fads from the last 15 years that fizzled out Raw food, paleo, gluten-free, detox, and ketogenic: All of these diet fads withered when subjected to scientific scrutiny. Big Think, 24 June 2024 In sum, this diet plan consists of a combination of ketogenic meals and exercises. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2024 This drink combines collagen with MCT Oil Powder and electrolytes, providing an optimal energy boost and helping to maintain ketone levels for individuals following a ketogenic or low carb diet. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 July 2023 And there’s some evidence that very-low-carb diets (the ketogenic kind) are more satiating than other diets – but also a compelling but short-term study that found keto dieters eating nearly 700 calories more per day than low-fat dieters. Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

keto- + -genic, probably after German ketogen

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketogenic was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ketogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketogenic. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ketogenic

adjective
ke·​to·​gen·​ic
ˌkēt-ō-ˈjen-ik
1
: producing or involved in the formation of ketone bodies
also : marked by the presence of ketone bodies
a ketogenic state
2
: of, relating to, or caused by a ketogenic diet
ketogenic weight loss

Medical Definition

ketogenic

adjective
ke·​to·​gen·​ic -ˈjen-ik How to pronounce ketogenic (audio)
1
: producing or involved in the formation of ketone bodies
It is known that a high protein diet causes the production of ketone bodies derived from lipid oxidation and ketogenic amino acids.Vania Mattoso Ribeiro et al., Demetra: Food, Nutrition & Health
also : marked by the presence of ketone bodies
ketogenic states
2
: of, relating to, or caused by a ketogenic diet
ketogenic weight reduction
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