Through the years, the problem of obesity has baffled experts from the fields of science and medicine.

These days, however, experts have discovered that the cure is just right under their noses — virgin coconut oil.

Experts have noted the potential of VCO in addressing the problem of increased accumulation of fat.

Dr. Nestor Fuertes, an Australia-based medical practitioner and an advocate of VCO, attests that continuous usage and administration of the product on his patients — both Filipinos and Caucasians — have yielded positive results.

VCO, a byproduct of the coconut tree and considered by many as the "tree of life," has become very popular in and outside the Philippines for personal care, hair care and cosmetic products.

Its importance in fighting obesity, however, has boosted the product’s popularity all the more.

Mr. Fuertes, a graduate of Medicine from Our Lady of Fatima University and 5th placer in the Philippine Medical Licensure Board Examination, said that he was initially unaware of the benefits of the product.

"I am a skeptic so I did not believe it at first and medical school does not teach you these things," he said last week in a presentation to doctors sponsored by Splash Holdings, a local firm which manufactures and sells VCO.

He later became curious when the medical condition of his Filipino patients improved with the use of the product which he realized, has helped strengthen patients’ immune system.

After further studies and examination of his patients he became convinced of the benefits of VCO, especially in combating obesity.

Virgin coconut oil, he soon realized, has a thermogenic effect on the body, that slowly but effectively increases the body’s metabolic rate, making it easier for it to burn fats and perform better.

Furthermore, Mr. Fuertes said the product contains medium chain triglycerides which are easily absorbed, transformed into energy and promote weight loss.

According to a 2006 study by the World Health Organization, 3.3 million Filipino females aged between 20 and 25 are overweight. Half of them are obese.

On the other hand, about 1.2 million Filipino males are overweight and half of them are obese.

The figures noted that obesity occurs to population who are at their productive stage, peaking at age 35 and are likely to be diabetic, hypertensive and are at risk of heart attack.

Mr. Fuertes said VCO aids in weight gain for those who are underweight. He urged local physicians to use the product to help address the problem of malnourishment in the Philippines especially among children.

Mr. Fuertes recommended a daily dose of two tablespoons of VCO per day to promote weight loss. He cautioned against a higher dosage of VCO to drastically reduce weight as this may have a negative effect on the body’s system.

"We want a gradual, steady and sustainable weight loss. When using VCO, it also hydrates the skin thus making people even look younger," he said.

A regular daily dose of VCO will reduce weight by about 4 to 6 pounds per month, he noted.

Mr. Fuertes recommended using liquid VCO instead of the VCO capsules as one tablespoon of the product is equivalent to 27 capsules.

He said more than 30 medical practitioners in Australia are already promoting the use of VCO.

Australian nationals, he added, are very much receptive to the idea of using the product for medicinal purposes.

They are in fact, "more receptive" to complementary medicine or natural products compared to Filipinos.

Aside from obesity, VCO is commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis, a condition of excessive dry skin. The product is used as "skin moisturizer" in Australia while it is being used to help weight loss among adults.

He added that a flavored VCO is no different from an unflavored VCO. He said flavored VCO makes the product more "palatable" to the consumers.

Mr. Fuertes serves as a general practitioner supervisor for the Victorian Medical Alliance and an out-of-campus medical professor for the General Practice Department of the University of Melbourne, aside from his numerous medical positions in Australia.