A LARGE cohort study of over 16,000 adults found that consistent extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption is strongly associated with lower waist circumference and BMI, independent of overall Mediterranean Diet adherence.
Olive oil and abdominal obesity
Abdominal obesity is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The Mediterranean Diet has long been recognised for its protective effects against these conditions, with EVOO serving as its cornerstone fat source. In this study, researchers sought to clarify whether EVOO alone contributes to reductions in visceral fat, beyond the benefits of the overall diet.
Large-scale analysis of olive oil intake
The study analysed data from 16,273 adults who completed a dietary and lifestyle survey incorporating the Chrono Mediterranean Diet Score (CMDS). Participants reported their frequency of EVOO consumption, classified as sporadic (<3 days per week), frequent (3–5 days), or regular (≥6 days per week, equivalent to about two tablespoons daily). Anthropometric measures, including waist circumference and BMI, were compared across intake groups.
Regular consumers of EVOO showed significantly lower BMI (24.7 versus 26.6) and waist circumference (89.1 cm versus 99.4 cm) compared to sporadic consumers, despite being older on average. These associations remained robust across sexes and after adjusting for confounding factors.
Independent and mediated effects
Mediation analysis revealed that EVOO’s benefits on waist circumference were partly explained by higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, but a direct effect also remained. Logistic regression showed that individuals who did not consume EVOO regularly had a fivefold higher risk of abdominal obesity compared with those who did.
The findings highlight EVOO as a central driver of the Mediterranean Diet’s metabolic benefits, independently lowering abdominal fat risk. Researchers suggest that regular EVOO intake should be emphasised in public health strategies to curb visceral obesity and related diseases.
Reference
De Matteis C et al. Regular extra-virgin olive oil intake independently associates with lower abdominal obesity. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1645230.
