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Questions about these come up all the time, and some people seem to rely on them a lot, so I thought I would post this to have information in one place.
Although Dr Atkins seems to suggest in his book that these tests are very accurate and can measure the degree of ketosis you are in, and hence the rate at which you are burning fat, the collective experience of people here suggests that it isn't quite as simple as that.
The following points may be helpful:
1. A color change means you are excreting ketones, burning fat and are in ketosis....
... but is is wise to remember that it is possible to be in ketosis and to not lose or even to gain weight. While a positive test means you are burning fat as your primary fuel it doesn't necessarily mean you are losing weight. If you eat excessively some fuel will be used by your body, some will be excreted (making the sticks positive) and some will be retained (and stored as fat).
2. The degree of colour change is not important
With respect to identifying ketosois - you are either in ketosis or you are not, the sticks do not accurately measure degree in all people. Different people get different colours and this is completely unrelated to either their degree or rate of weight loss or their adherance to the plan.
3. No colour change does not necessarily mean you are not in ketosis
Some people never see a change. No change just means that the sticks are detecting none of the specific ketones for which it checks in your urine.
This may be a fault in the sticks or just the way it is for you. You may well be excreting different ketones for which the sticks do not check or just using up all your ketones in response to your energy needs or it may be that you will never see a change due to individual variation in reponse to this particular test.
If your water intake is low and/or your salt intake is high, you can easily become dehydrated and therefore produce more concentrated urine with a higher concentration of ketones. Or a dark colour may be normal for you - if you are drinking lots of water, peeing regularly and showing no other indicators of dehydration, it may just be a personal thing.
Although Dr Atkins seems to suggest in his book that these tests are very accurate and can measure the degree of ketosis you are in, and hence the rate at which you are burning fat, the collective experience of people here suggests that it isn't quite as simple as that.
The following points may be helpful:
1. A color change means you are excreting ketones, burning fat and are in ketosis....
... but is is wise to remember that it is possible to be in ketosis and to not lose or even to gain weight. While a positive test means you are burning fat as your primary fuel it doesn't necessarily mean you are losing weight. If you eat excessively some fuel will be used by your body, some will be excreted (making the sticks positive) and some will be retained (and stored as fat).
2. The degree of colour change is not important
With respect to identifying ketosois - you are either in ketosis or you are not, the sticks do not accurately measure degree in all people. Different people get different colours and this is completely unrelated to either their degree or rate of weight loss or their adherance to the plan.
3. No colour change does not necessarily mean you are not in ketosis
Some people never see a change. No change just means that the sticks are detecting none of the specific ketones for which it checks in your urine.
This may be a fault in the sticks or just the way it is for you. You may well be excreting different ketones for which the sticks do not check or just using up all your ketones in response to your energy needs or it may be that you will never see a change due to individual variation in reponse to this particular test.
If you get a negative test: Look over your food and water intake, be sure you are eating right and drinking and eating enough. Look for other signs of Ketosis - a smell on your breath, a metallic taste in your mouth, signs that you are losing weight/inchs. Don't fret about the sticks.
4. A dark colour may indicate that you are dehydrated If your water intake is low and/or your salt intake is high, you can easily become dehydrated and therefore produce more concentrated urine with a higher concentration of ketones. Or a dark colour may be normal for you - if you are drinking lots of water, peeing regularly and showing no other indicators of dehydration, it may just be a personal thing.
If you get a dark colour: Check your water and salt intake to ensure you are getting enough liquids and are not dehydrated. A common sign of dehydration is dark coloured urine - if you are drinking plenty your urine should be very pale yellow to colourless, and you should need to use the bathroom regularly. If you are happy that you are fully hydrated, don't worry about the actual colour change on the sticks.
Given all of this potential for variation, the sticks should be considered as no more than a rough guide which some people find useful. It isn't necessary to use them and it is certainly not wise to base all your decisions around them.
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