These studies did not find a reduction in weight, but they did show a significant
reduction in waist circumference in people who ate 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day (11, 12).
Compared to women and men with waist circumferences of 74 and 83 cm respectively, the CVD risk increased by16 % in women and 10 % in men for every 12.6 cm and 11.4 cm
increase in waist circumference for women and men respectively.
The reasons for increases
in waist circumference in excess of what would be expected from changes in BMI remain speculative, but several factors, including sleep deprivation, endocrine disruptors, and certain medications, have been proposed as potential explanations.6
Another study in 20 obese males noted a reduction
in waist circumference of 2.86 cm (1.1 inches) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (1 ounce) of coconut oil per day (32).
Even modest
loss in waist circumference and weight were associated with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BP in remote far North - Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities [29].
Another study in 20 obese males noted a
reduction in waist circumference of 1.1 inches (2.86 cm) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day (26).
Studies have shown that people who are on a daily intake of Yacon tend to experience significant
decreases in waist circumference, body weight, and body mass index.
The olive oil group saw an increase of about one - third of an inch (0.85 cm), and the nut group only saw an increase
in waist circumference of 0.14 inches (0.37 cm), the study authors reported.
There were also
changes in their waist circumference, waist - to - hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure (the lower of the two blood pressure readings), resting heart rate and levels of HDL - cholesterol.
Women with PCOS lost 7 % of their body weight, 6.6 %
loss in waist circumference, and 9.2 % loss of body fat and a 21.7 % reduction in visceral fat.
There was an increase
in waist circumference in all three groups with the greatest increase seen in the low - fat diet group (1.2 cm increase for the low - fat diet group, compared to 0.85 cm for the olive oil group and 0.37 cm for the nuts group).
After six months, the group eating most of their carbs at night lost slightly more weight and body fat and experienced greater reductions
in waist circumference.
Both diet soft drinks and water groups saw reductions
in waist circumference and blood pressure.
A study published in 2014 in Nutricion Hospitalaria found that chia helps promote weight loss and reductions
in waist circumference.
Furthermore, a 14 % higher risk for fatal prostate cancer was observed for every 5 kg / m2 increase in BMI, and 18 % increased risk in every 10 cm increase
in waist circumference.
Studies that compared breakfast eaters of eggs vs. bagels found that egg eaters lost almost twice as much weight as the bagel eaters, had an 83 % decrease
in waist circumference, and reported greater improvement in energy.
But if a tape measure reveals a decrease
in waist circumference, you can see the benefit and know you're improving your health, which can also motivate you to continue an exercise and diet plan.
There was also a 50 % bigger reduction
in waist circumference and a 56 % bigger reduction in fat mass.
Research has shown that coconut oil consumption can lead to a significant reduction
in waist circumference and belly fat.
Both groups lost the same amount of weight; however, the coconut oil group had a statistically significant decrease
in waist circumference (plus a 35 % decrease in C - reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation).
And a 2009 study of 5,453 people published in the journal Obesity showed that a 1 - centimeter increase
in waist circumference is associated with an increased chance of premature death.
While both groups lost similar amounts of weight over the 12 - week plan, those consuming soybean oil actually saw an increase
in waist circumference at the end of the study, while those consuming coconut oil saw a decrease in waist circumference.
One study found that women eating 30 ML (1 ounce) of coconut oil experienced a reduction
in waist circumference and BMI over a 12 week period (19).
Those eating almonds experienced a 62 % greater reduction in their weight / BMI (body mass index), 50 % greater reduction
in waist circumference, and 56 % greater reduction in body fat compared to those on the low calorie high carbohydrate diet!
The difference in diet didn't translate to difference in weight loss and reduction
in waist circumference.
Weight loss or changes
in waist circumference were other noted areas of physical change by both health professionals and participants.