As some of the fatty acids in coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it may also help you lose weight.

Abdominal fat, or visceral fat, lodges in the abdominal cavity and around your organs. MCTs appear to be especially effective at reducing belly fat compared to LCTs.

Abdominal fat, the most harmful type, is linked to many chronic diseases.

Waist circumference is an easy, accurate marker for the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity.

In a 12-week study in 40 women with abdominal obesity, those who took 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil per day had a significant reduction in both Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Meanwhile, a 4-week study in 20 men with obesity noted a reduction in waist circumference of 1.1 inches (2.86 cm) after they took 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil per day.

Coconut oil is still high in calories, so you should use it sparingly. Replacing some of your other cooking fats with coconut oil could have a small weight loss benefit, but the evidence is inconsistent overall.

The oil derived from coconuts has a number of emerging benefits for your health.

In order to get the most out of it, make sure to choose organic, virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions.