The popular "Olé shot" diet consisting of olive oil and lemon juice has no proven medical evidence for weight loss [1, 2].
This warning comes as the mixture gains traction among social media users who believe it suppresses appetite and burns fat. However, health experts suggest the trend may be counterproductive, potentially leading to weight gain rather than loss.
Professor Kim Ji-yeon of Seoul 과학기술대학교 said that consuming oil on an empty stomach in the morning can lead to adverse effects [1, 2]. Specifically, she said that excessive intake of oil may cause stomach upset or diarrhea [1, 2].
The trend has been amplified by online influencers. One unnamed diet YouTuber said that they believed the mixture worked by reducing appetite [1, 2]. This anecdotal evidence has driven the popularity of the shot, despite a lack of clinical backing.
Scientific studies indicate that while such ingredients might play an auxiliary role in general weight management, they are not a primary solution for fat loss [1, 2]. Because olive oil is calorie-dense, adding it to a daily routine without adjusting other caloric intakes can result in an overall surplus, leading to increased body weight [1, 2].
Health professionals advise caution regarding diet trends promoted via social media that lack peer-reviewed evidence. The risk of digestive distress makes the practice particularly hazardous for individuals with sensitive stomachs [1, 2].
“The 'Olé shot' diet consisting of olive oil and lemon juice has no proven medical evidence for weight loss.”
The rise of the 'Olé shot' highlights a recurring gap between social media wellness trends and clinical nutrition. When calorie-dense fats are marketed as weight-loss tools without context, users risk both metabolic setbacks and gastrointestinal distress, underscoring the danger of substituting professional medical advice with influencer testimonials.
