Coconut oil, used as a dietary supplement, is effective in supporting weight management, according to a new study. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicates that an estimated 66 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese. The diagnosis of overweight and obesity is based on the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI).
In this study, coconut oil supplementation was evaluated for potential benefits in weight management in women with abdominal obesity, meaning they have a waist circumference greater than 34 ½ inches (88 cm). Coconut oil is a saturated fat, yet it has numerous reported health-promoting properties.
This study compared 40 women between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Twenty women were supplemented with 30 mL of coconut oil and 20 women received 30 mL of soybean oil over a 12-week period. The subjects were also instructed to follow a balanced, low-calorie diet and to walk for 50 minutes per day for physical activity. The subjects were evaluated one week prior to the initiation of the study and one week following the conclusion of the dietary intervention. Lipid levels, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and the LDL:HDL ratio, were also evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study.
The results showed that carbohydrate and overall caloric (energy) intake decreased over the 12-week study period. Protein, fiber, and fat intake did not change. Also, the BMI decreased in both treatment groups. However, only the group supplemented with coconut oil showed a decrease in waist circumference as well. At the end of the study, the subjects receiving coconut oil had increased levels of the beneficial HDL cholesterol and a lower LDL:HDL ratio. The group supplemented with soybean oil, however, showed increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratio, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol.
The study authors concluded, "It appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil does not cause dyslipidemia and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity."
Reference:
Assuncao ML, Ferreira HS, Dos Santos AF, Cabral CR Jr, Florencio TM. Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity. Lipids. 2009 May 13. Published Online Ahead of Print.