Does Putting Coconut Oil in Your Coffee Help You Lose Weight?

Or is it just another cup of hope with a swirl of hype?

It’s 7 a.m. Your eyes are half open, your soul is still asleep, and your coffee is the only thing that could possibly convince you to be a functioning human today. But this time, instead of your regular brew, someone tells you to drop a tablespoon of coconut oil in there.

Wait, what?

Apparently, this trend has been sweeping health circles, keto kitchens, and early-morning Instagram reels. It's called “bulletproof coffee”, and coconut oil is often the star ingredient. But does this tropical fat really help you lose weight when swirled into your caffeine?

What’s In Coconut Oil That Might Help?

Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, is made up largely of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fats that your body processes differently from long-chain fats found in most cooking oils.

Instead of being stored as fat, MCTs are rapidly absorbed, sent straight to your liver, and either:

• Converted into quick energy
• Transformed into ketones, a type of fuel your body uses when carbs are low
  
  

This fat-burning shortcut is part of the reason why coconut oil has been crowned a weight-loss sidekick, especially by fans of the keto diet.

So... What Happens When You Add It to Coffee?

 

When you blend a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil into your coffee, you’re creating a creamy, frothy, and surprisingly satisfying drink that acts almost like a meal.

Here’s how it might support weight loss:

 

• Increases Satiety (Fullness)
  The healthy fats in coconut oil take longer to digest, keeping you full longer. That means fewer mid-morning biscuit binges and random fridge raids
• Boosts Energy
  The MCTs are like rocket fuel for your body and brain. Many people report feeling more alert, focused, and energised after a coconut oil coffee, making workouts (or just weekday survival) a little easier.
• Enhances Fat Burning
  A few studies show MCTs may increase the body’s energy expenditure by around 100 extra calories a day, without you lifting a finger.
• Supports Ketosis
  For those on a ketogenic diet, coconut oil helps raise ketone levels, which can speed up fat adaptation and promote fat burning as your primary energy source.
  
  

But Let’s Talk Science 

 

While early research on MCT oil and weight loss is promising, coconut oil contains only about 62% MCTs. And of that, the lion’s share is lauric acid, which behaves a little more like a long-chain fat.

So yes, coconut oil has MCTs. But it’s not as concentrated as pure MCT oil, which some bulletproof recipes recommend.

Still, several studies suggest:

• MCTs increase thermogenesis (your body’s calorie-burning power).
• They may help reduce body weight and waist circumference over time.
• Coconut oil, when consumed in moderation (1–2 tablespoons per day), can support these effects, especially when paired with a lower-carb or high-protein diet.
  
  

But Before You Go Chugging a Jar…

 

Let’s keep it honest: Adding coconut oil to your coffee isn’t a magical fat-loss potion.

You still need to watch your overall calorie intake. Coconut oil has about 120 calories per tablespoon. If you’re not cutting back somewhere else or skipping breakfast, that extra coconut oil might just become… extra storage. Around your belly.

Also, it’s best to ease into it. Too much coconut oil too fast can cause… let’s just say a digestive rollercoaster. Start with 1 teaspoon, and build up gradually if your body’s on board.

 

So… Is It Worth It?

 

Yes, if:

• You’re on a low-carb or keto diet
• You tend to skip breakfast and need something filling
• You’re looking for an energy boost without sugar
• You enjoy creamy coffee without dairy
  
  

Maybe not, if:

• You’re trying to cut calories across the board
• You eat a high-carb diet (this combo works better with fat-burning modes like keto or intermittent fasting)
• You hate the taste of coconut (in which case, who hurt you?)
  
  

How to Make Coconut Oil Coffee 

 

You’ll need:

• 1 cup of hot brewed coffee
• 1–2 tsp of virgin coconut oil (start small!)
• Optional: 1 tsp of cinnamon, or a dash of vanilla
• A blender or frother (you must blend—stirring = oily disaster)
  
  

Blend until frothy. Sip. Feel unstoppable.