ketones and weight management

Using Ketones to Support Weight, Brain Health, and Metabolic Resilience

June 8, 2026

Using Ketones to Support Weight, Brain Health, and Metabolic Resilience: This article is derived from the session “Ketones As A Path For Metabolic Health” presented by Dr. Csilla Ari D’Agostino, Neuroscientist | Researcher | Founder of Audacious Nutrition, at the ObesityHelp 2025 National Conference, where she discussed how ketones may support appetite control, brain energy, and obesity-related metabolic health safely and effectively.

How Ketones Influence Appetite and Blood Sugar

Dr. Csilla Ari D'Agostino clearly addressed the misconception that ketones directly burn body fat. Instead, she emphasized, their impact on appetite regulation and blood sugar control may indirectly support weight management.

“The BHB itself doesn’t burn fat, but because of these effects, you’re just not going to be hungry as much.”

She shared that BHB appears to influence key hormones involved in hunger and satiety:

  • Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, may be suppressed because ketones signal the brain that adequate energy is available.
  • Leptin sensitivity may improve, helping the body better recognize fullness.

Additionally, BHB has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake and reducing inflammation. Together, these effects may lead to fewer cravings, improved satiety, and more stable energy levels.

Ketones and Common Obesity-Related Comorbidities

Dr. D'Agostino explained that many health conditions associated with obesity may be influenced by metabolic health. For women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, symptoms such as weight gain, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and electrolyte imbalance are often worsened by poor metabolic health. BHB ketones may help support energy metabolism and cognitive clarity during this transition.

Cardiovascular health was another area highlighted. Dr. D'Agostino discussed how emerging research suggests BHB may reduce the resistance the heart pumps against, potentially improving cardiac efficiency.

She also spoke about how muscle preservation is critical during weight loss. Studies indicate that BHB may help spare muscle protein, allowing for fat loss while maintaining lean mass.

“You can preserve lean muscle while you are losing weight.”

Choosing Ketone Supplements Safely and Effectively

Not all ketone products are the same, and misinformation is common.

Key points to consider:

  • Proprietary blends often hide very low active ingredient amounts.
  • Many pills or gummies contain minimal ketones and rely on stimulants like caffeine.
  • Ketone precursors such as MCT oil can raise ketone levels modestly but may cause gastrointestinal distress at higher doses.
  • Some compounds marketed as ketones are technically alcohols and place additional stress on the liver.

Ketone salts, which deliver ready-to-use BHB combined with electrolytes, were discussed as a more sustainable option for longer-term use. In comparative studies, ketone salts showed liver histology similar to controls, unlike some other forms that caused lipid accumulation.

Dr. D'Agostino spoke about some common misconceptions:

  • Higher ketone levels are not always better. For most applications, a range of 0.8 to 2.0 mmol is sufficient.
  • Both D- and L-BHB are biologically active, even though most meters only measure D-BHB.
  • Sodium BHB is not the same as table salt and does not have the same effect on blood pressure.

Individual responses vary based on age, gender, muscle mass, stress level, and activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need very high ketone levels to see benefits?
No. The speaker explained that moderate ketone levels are often more effective and safer than chasing extremely high readings.

Are ketone supplements meant to replace healthy eating?
No. Ketones were discussed as a tool that can complement a low-carbohydrate approach, not replace balanced nutrition.

Can ketones support both brain health and weight management?
Yes. By improving energy metabolism, appetite regulation, and insulin sensitivity, ketones may support multiple aspects of metabolic health.

Watch the full video of Dr. Csilla Ari D’Agostino's session below!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Csilla Ari D’Agostino is a neuroscientist with more than two decades of experience exploring neuroplasticity, metabolism, and brain health. In 2021, she launched Audacious Nutrition, a company inspired by her scientific discoveries and focused on advancing brain and metabolic health through clean, research-backed formulations.