Olive Oil Supplements for Pregnancy Weight Gain: Evidence Review
A user inquired whether olive oil supplements can help control weight gain during pregnancy. Based on evidence from Pillser's database, there is no direct research on gestational weight gain, and studies on olive oil for BMI reduction show neutral results. The response advises discussing safe approaches with a healthcare provider.
Does taking olive oil supplements help control weight gain during pregnancy?
Based on the available evidence, there is currently no direct research showing that olive oil supplements help control weight gain during pregnancy.
Here's what the data shows:
- Olive oil (whole food) has been studied for various health outcomes in Pillser's database, including effects on blood pressure, inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and blood glucose control, with the majority of studies showing beneficial effects1.
- However, regarding weight-related outcomes, Pillser's database contains one study on olive oil and reduced body mass index (BMI), which found neutral results — meaning no significant benefit was observed2.
- There are no studies in Pillser's database specifically examining the effect of olive oil supplements on gestational weight gain during pregnancy.
While olive oil is a healthy dietary fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and is generally considered safe to consume in moderation during pregnancy, there is insufficient evidence to recommend it specifically for weight gain control during pregnancy.
If you have concerns about weight management during pregnancy, it's best to discuss safe, evidence-based approaches with your healthcare provider.
Footnotes
-
Pillser research database, Olive Oil Health Outcomes. ↩
-
Pillser research database, Olive Oil and Reduced BMI. ↩