What you’ll learn:
- There is no scientific evidence supporting castor oil as an effective method for weight loss.
- Using castor oil for weight loss can lead to potential health risks such as dehydration, digestive issues, and even allergic reactions.
- Sustainable weight management comes from balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits, not quick fixes or trends.
Castor oil has been considered a wellness staple for centuries, with tales suggesting that Cleopatra herself used it in her beauty routine. Extracted from castor beans, this golden oil has been used as a natural laxative, a soothing skin remedy, and even a secret to shiny hair. Thanks to its versatility, castor oil has earned a reputation as a multitasker, though not all of its uses are supported by science.
Recently, castor oil has gone viral for a different reason: weight loss. People claim it can help slim down by rubbing it on their bellies, wrapping themselves in oil-soaked cloths, or even drinking it. It’s trendy—but does it actually work? And more importantly, is it safe?
The short answer: While castor oil does have a few legitimate uses—including one FDA-approved purpose—it’s not a solution for sustainable weight loss. Let’s dive into the facts about castor oil for weight loss, explore its evidence-based uses, and discuss when it might pose risks.
At Noom, our focus is on helping you build sustainable, science-backed habits that actually work for your body and your goals—no trendy shortcuts required!
What is castor oil, and what can it be used for?
Castor oil has long been used for everything from moisturizing skin to promoting hair health, but when it comes to taking it internally, there’s really just one FDA-approved use. It’s officially recognized as a stimulant laxative for temporary relief of constipation. Basically, it helps get things moving by stimulating the muscles in your intestines.
Castor oil is typically taken in liquid form, and the common adult dose is around one tablespoon. While it does work, it’s fallen out of favor because there are now gentler, more predictable options that are easier on the digestive system.
You might also be surprised to learn that castor oil is approved for use in food, too, but only in tiny, controlled amounts. It’s sometimes added as a flavoring agent or used in food packaging thanks to its natural mold-inhibiting properties.
Still, if you’re considering using castor oil internally, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider—especially since overdoing it can lead to cramping, diarrhea, or other uncomfortable side effects.
Its use for weight loss has become a popular trend, with people applying it to their bodies or drinking it as a weight loss remedy.
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How castor oil is thought to aid weight loss
Social media is full of claims suggesting castor oil can help you shed pounds, but let’s look at the most popular methods—and what the research actually says:
The trend: Taking it as a morning shot. Drinking a spoonful of castor oil in the morning is said to jumpstart digestion, suppress appetite, and help with weight loss.
The science: Castor oil may help relieve constipation and reduce bloating short-term, but that’s mostly water weight and waste, not actual fat loss. And it’s not a safe or sustainable method. Using castor oil regularly or in high amounts can cause cramping and diarrhea, and even disrupt your body’s natural digestion over time. It can also throw off your electrolyte balance, which can be risky. Bottom line: It’s not meant for long-term or weight-loss use.
The trend: Using it for massage or wrapping the body. Another popular method involves rubbing castor oil on the stomach or wrapping the midsection in a cloth soaked with castor oil. Viral trends and anecdotal claims on social media often suggest that castor oil can break down fat through the skin when applied topically. These claims typically promote castor oil as a “natural solution” for reducing belly fat, cellulite, or overall body fat.
The science: There’s no scientific evidence that castor oil—or any oil—can penetrate the skin to dissolve fat. Weight and fat loss come from a consistent calorie deficit, not topical treatments.
The trend: Drinking it before sleep. A few drops of castor oil in warm water before bed is said to “detox” the body overnight.
The science: There’s no research supporting this. Your body has many natural detoxification mechanisms handled by your liver and kidneys.
Safety considerations: What are the dangers of using castor oil for weight loss?
While castor oil is generally considered safe in small amounts, using it improperly or excessively can lead to harmful effects. Here are some potential risks of using too much castor oil internally or on the skin:
- Digestive issues: Castor oil’s laxative effects can cause diarrhea, cramping, and bloating.
- Dehydration risk: Overuse of laxatives may lead to fluid loss, dizziness, and weakness.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to castor oil, such as redness, itching, or swelling when it is applied to the skin.
Who shouldn’t use castor oil: Pregnant people should not use castor oil, and anyone with digestive disorders should talk to their doctor before consuming it.
The verdict: Don’t use castor oil for weight loss
The castor oil craze for weight loss doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. There’s no evidence it melts fat or leads to long-term weight loss, and using it can come with real health risks. Always talk to your doctor before trying any weight-loss method. They can help you find safe, proven strategies that work for your body and consider your health history and needs.
Instead of chasing viral trends, focus on building habits that actually work. A sustainable weight loss plan includes nourishing food, movement you enjoy, and support you can count on. At Noom, we’re here to support your journey with science-backed tools and personalized coaching, not gimmicks. Let’s skip the fads and build a plan that truly lasts.
