Coconut oil, fullness and weight loss claims
What it found
There is not enough consistent evidence to say whether coconut oil helps with fullness or weight loss.
Much of the media coverage was based on studies of MCT oil, not coconut oil.
What they found
Media cited MCT oil
The media mainly referred to studies that used medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, not coconut oil itself.
Evidence not consistent
The report found a lack of consistent evidence on coconut oil, fullness and weight loss.
More research needed
Because coconut oil is widely talked about and more people are eating it, the authors say more research is needed, especially long-term trials in people.
What the authors conclude
“The current report indicates a lack of consistent evidence on the topic of coconut oil, satiety and weight loss.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say there is a lack of consistent evidence on coconut oil, satiety and weight loss.
- They conclude that further research, particularly long-term clinical trials, in this area is warranted.
How it was done
There has been a lot of media speculation and consumer interest in whether eating coconut oil keeps you full and helps with weight loss. The media mainly cited studies using MCT oil.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This paper does not report new measurements in people, animals or cells.
- It cannot show whether coconut oil causes weight loss or makes people feel fuller.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Oxford Brookes University, UK
The paper
- Title
- They say coconut oil can aid weight loss, but can it really?
- Type
- Study
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Clegg ME (2017). They say coconut oil can aid weight loss, but can it really?. European journal of clinical nutrition. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.86PubMed 28589949DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error