Advertisement
question

What types of oil should I eat if I am trying to lose belly fat?

Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH
Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH
Preventive Medicine
answer
If oil is going to be used in the fight against fat, the best choice would almost certainly be olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat (MUFA), the mainstay of the famous Mediterranean diet. Numerous large, long-term studies have demonstrated a powerful association between relatively high dietary intake of MUFAs, and reduced risk of abdominal obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Perhaps the final word on this topic is that while some kinds of abdominal fat can be particularly dangerous, there tends to be a silver lining. Abdominal fat tends to mobilize first when a meaningful weight-loss effort is made. In other words, the best and most reliable way to reduce harmful belly fat is simply to eat well and exercise.

If I were using oil to grease the skids for losing belly fat, my top picks would be omega-3 oils from fish, krill, seafood, algae, flaxseeds and/or walnuts, olive oil and canola oil, which is a source of both MUFAs and omega-3s.

But I would place an even greater emphasis on a different kind of oil altogether: elbow grease!

Continue Learning about Belly Fat

Targeted weight loss is a myth
Targeted weight loss is a myth
When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, it's not possible to spot-reduce body fat, or target one area of your body. “When you gain weight it’s ...
Read More
3 tips for reducing your waistline
3 tips for reducing your waistline
Carrying extra weight in your abdomen can raise your risks for diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. If you're looking to shed exces...
Read More
How do pumpkin seeds cut belly fat?
How do pumpkin seeds cut belly fat? Pumpkin seeds fall into a category of fats called unsaturated fa...
More Answers
6 things you should know about belly fat
6 things you should know about belly fat6 things you should know about belly fat6 things you should know about belly fat6 things you should know about belly fat
Carrying extra pounds around your midsection? Here's how a few simple tweaks can help you address belly fat. You can carry extra weight just about an...
Start Slideshow

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.