ketogenic

adjective

ke·​to·​gen·​ic ˌkē-tō-ˈje-nik 

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

One of the members was a blogger with contacts in the ketogenic network. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

Common features and popular examples Eating plans such as the Atkins, Paleo (paleolithic), and ketogenic (keto) diets gained popularity by offering simplified explanations for weight loss and challenging conventional nutritional advice. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026

Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the ketogenic (or keto) diet remains a popular low-carb diet. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026

There are many different types of supplements that support a ketogenic lifestyle, but there are many factors that can determine which supplements are best for you and your overall health goals. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

keto- + -genic, probably after German ketogen

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ketogenic

• ketogenic diet

Rhymes for ketogenic

• allergenic
• androgenic
• antigenic
• authigenic
• autogenic
• biogenic
• bronchogenic
• chromogenic
• cryogenic
• echogenic
• estrogenic
• isogenic

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 

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