Urine Smell During Weight Loss

Weight-loss plans focus on eating less and exercising more. As a result, your body begins to burn fat for energy. While this effect is necessary for losing weight, it can change the way your urine smells while you are dieting. Dehydration, a common side effect of strenuous exercise and eating a low-calorie diet, can also change the way your urine smells.

Low-calorie diets force your body to burn fat for energy instead of the carbohydrates it normally burns. The byproducts of burning fat, called ketones, cause your urine to smell sweet or fruity. High-protein, low-carbohydrate plans and very-low-calorie diets are most likely to cause this effect and should be supervised by your doctor to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs.

The simplest solution for strong-smelling urine may be to increase your water intake. Eating a low-calorie diet tends to be dehydrating in and of itself. If you are also exercising more than usual, you may be losing extra fluids through sweating. Other signs of dehydration, in addition to a strong urine odor, include dark urine, dry skin, dry tongue and fatigue.

Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including unwanted weight loss and sweet, fruity-smelling urine. Symptoms indicating medical problems might include cola-colored urine or blood in the urine.