Effect of Medium Chain Fatty Acids on Body Composition in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Journal
- Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity (Q1)
- Published
- 18 September 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Megumi Minamida, Hanako Nakajima, Hiroshi Okada, Nozomi Kuramoto, Naoko Nakanishi, Masahide Hamaguchi, et al.
- PMID
- 42760634
- DOI
- 10.1111/obr.70230
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (top studies of the week, 20 September 2026): MCT fatty acids meta‑analysis, not bariatric surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) intake on the body composition of individuals with overweight and obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched until January 2026. The primary outcome was the change in fat mass (FM) between the MCT intake and control groups; secondary outcomes included body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and lean mass (LM). Pooled effect sizes were estimated using random-effects models, and certainty was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). RoB-2 was used for assessing risk of bias. RESULTS: Seven RCTs (N = 346) were included in this study. MCT intake significantly reduced FM (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.17), BW (SMD: -0.41; 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.18), and WC (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.69 to -0.14) compared to controls, with no significant effect on LM. Heterogeneity was low (I2 = 0%), although the certainty of the evidence was low. Sensitivity analyses for BMI ≧ 25 kg/m2 confirmed these findings. Adverse events associated with MCT intake are rare and well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: MCT intake effectively and safely reduced body fat and waist circumference while preserving lean mass, suggesting its value in obesity management.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.