The idea of eating fat to lose fat sounds like it defies the logic of biology. After all, most of us were raised to believe that butter was bad, oil was evil, and anything labelled “low-fat” was practically saintly. Yet, here we are, being told that a spoonful of oil could actually help shrink your waistline. The catch is, this isn’t an open invite to build your diet around doughnuts, chips, or super-sized meat-lover’s pizzas. We’re talking about a very specific fat with very specific powers: C8 MCT oil, typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
If you’ve spent any time in the wellness world, you’ve probably heard the buzz. This particular fat doesn’t get stored on your hips — it gets turned into ketones, clean-burning energy for your body and brain. Which is why British biohacker Davinia Taylor swears by it. After overcoming her own health struggles — from chronic inflammation to weight issues — she launched her brand WillPowders, making smart nutrition simple.
“The key is to use 100% C8 (caprylic acid) MCT oil, not blends with C10 or C12, says Davinia. “C8 has eight carbon atoms, which makes it the shortest and most efficient medium-chain fat. The body turns it rapidly into ketones — clean fuel for the brain and body,” Davinia explains.
Not all MCT oils are equal. Some cheaper blends are extracted with hexane, a petroleum solvent that can leave residues and strip out beneficial compounds. “Some cheaper MCT oils are extracted with hexane, a petroleum solvent. This can leave residues behind and strip beneficial compounds. At WillPowders, we only use hexane-free extraction from high-quality Indonesian coconuts, so the oil is pure, safe, and effective,” she says.
Now, why does this matter for belly fat? It’s all about ketones. When your body produces them, you rely less on glucose, which means fewer energy crashes and fewer cravings. “C8 MCT oil fits seamlessly into both strategies: In intermittent fasting, it provides energy without breaking the fast, so you keep burning fat. On keto, it boosts ketones quickly, fuelling the brain and stabilising energy,” Davinia notes.
But here’s the real win: it’s not just metabolism – it’s mindset. “But the real win isn’t feeling wired — it’s having a quiet mind around food. MCT oil makes it easier to press pause on crisps, brownies, and other snacks. It helps you feel satisfied faster, reducing the amount you eat without relying on willpower.”
Davinia’s morning ritual illustrates this perfectly. “I start my day with C8 MCT oil in my coffee while fasting. It doesn’t make me jittery — it makes my mind calm. The food chatter stops, I feel full, and I don’t even think about UPFs mid-morning.”
Of course, myths abound. Many think all coconut oil works like MCT oil. “ It is not not true that all coconut oil works the same as MCT oil,” says Davinia. “Coconut oil does contain some C8, but most of it is C12 (lauric acid), which doesn’t produce ketones as effectively,” she says. That said, traditional fats like extra virgin olive oil and grass-fed butter are still worth keeping around for their vitamins and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Another misconception is that MCT oil is a magic fat burner. “MCT oil melts fat overnight. It isn’t magic. The benefit comes from fuelling the brain, reducing cravings, and helping you naturally eat fewer UPFs,” Davinia stresses.
For those starting out with MCT oil Davinia suggests taking it slow. “Start with ½ teaspoon in coffee or tea and increase gradually to a tablespoon daily. Pair it with fasting or low carb eating to get the most benefit.” Gradually building up helps avoid digestive upset and lets your body adjust.
For Davinia, it’s now a daily ritual. “When I started, it was just half a teaspoon in coffee. Now I use a tablespoon every morning. It’s a ritual that keeps me steady, stops the cravings, and helps me avoid the glucose rollercoaster that UPFs create.”
The best part is that this isn’t about depriving yourself or chasing magic fat loss. It’s about outsmarting your cravings, stabilising energy, and quietly giving your brain the fuel it actually wants. In a world full of doughnuts, chips, and ultra-processed chaos, a spoonful of the right fat can calm the mind, flatten the belly, and make mornings just a little bit sweeter. Without the sugar crash.
This story was originally published on The Carousel.
