- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
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Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the Food & Nutrition Center, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, she is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in pediatrics at Mayo Clinic Rochester and nutrition education related to the physiology and recommended intakes for premature infants.
Other areas of interest include breast milk and formula safety, neonatal feeding, and nutrition for breast-feeding mothers.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Coconut oil and weight loss: Does it work?
Can coconut oil promote weight loss?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Coconut oil has been touted by some as a way to lose weight. Proponents of coconut oil and weight loss claim that coconut oil can boost energy, provide a feeling of fullness, and decrease cravings for carbohydrates and sweets. However, to date, there are no clinical trials to show that coconut oil is effective for weight loss. In fact, some researchers suspect that coconut oil may actually contribute to weight gain. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains nearly 120 calories and more than 13 grams of fat. Gram for gram, coconut oil has 10 times more unhealthy saturated fat than does olive oil.
If you're hoping to lose weight, remember that there's no replacement for a healthy lifestyle. The foundation of every successful weight-loss program is a healthy diet and regular physical activity. To lose weight and keep it off permanently, enjoy a variety of healthier foods and include physical activity in your daily routine.
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