Use of coconut oil in weight reduction and abdominal circumference in practitioners of physical activity of an academy of a city in the north of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The excess of corporal fat is associated with an imbalance between energy expenditure and inadequate food consumption, being these the main factors that may lead to alterations and metabolic comorbidities. The consumption of coconut oil has been the highlight in the decrease of abdominal circumference and in the reduction of weight, because it is composed of medium chain triglycerides, which, after consumption, are readily oxidized providing energy, without being deposited as fat. The objective of this research was to verify the use of coconut oil in weight reduction, abdominal circumference and Body Mass Index of practitioners of physical activity in an academy of a municipality in the North of Rio Grande do Sul. The data collection happened through five stages, during two months with twelve participants of both sexes. It was observed that the Body Mass Index did not change at the end of the evaluations. Comparing the first evaluation with the last, the initial average weight was 76.91 (±14.22) kg and the final average weight was 76.08 (±13.52) kg. Regarding abdominal circumference, in the first evaluation it was observed that the average was 95.87 (±10.32) cm and in the fifth evaluation it was 94.35 (±10.36) cm. As results of the study, it can be verified that the daily intake of 12g had an effect as assistant in the reduction of abdominal circumference and decrease in body weight. It is suggested, therefore, for a more expressive effect, the necessity of allying an adequate diet and the regular practice of physical exercises.