What Does Oily Poop Mean? Causes & When It’s Serious

Key takeaways:

• Oily stools (steatorrhea) indicate that your body isn't correctly absorbing fats, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies if untreated.
• Temporary changes in your diet sometimes cause oily poop. Persistent oily stools often signal underlying digestive conditions requiring medical evaluation.
• Most causes of fat malabsorption can be treated if they are correctly diagnosed.

When your poop looks greasy or fatty, or if it floats on the toilet water or leaves an oily residue, it is called steatorrhea – excess fat in stools. Steatorrhea happens when your body can't properly absorb dietary fats, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.

While occasional oily stools might result from dietary choices, persistent symptoms warrant medical attention. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments for oily stools.

What is oily or greasy poop?

Oily or greasy poop characterizes the appearance of your stool. It can occur due to a variety of digestive issues, allergies, infections, or reactions to medication.

Oily or greasy poop may float in the toilet or appears to leave behind an oily residue on toilet paper or on the surface of the water in the toilet.

Is oily or greasy poop normal?

Occasional oily stools following a very fatty meal may be normal. However, persistently oily stools are abnormal and indicate your digestive system is malfunctioning.

Healthy stools should:

• Sink in water
• Have a uniform brown color
• Not leave an oily film
• Be well-formed
• Not appear greasy or shiny

Causes of oily poop

Several health conditions can disrupt fat processing. The pancreas might not produce enough digestive enzymes due to chronic inflammation or cystic fibrosis. Celiac disease can damage the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients.

Sometimes, recent gallbladder removal leaves the body adjusting to changes in bile flow. When the digestive system struggles to process fats properly, it can lead to fatty stools.

Pancreatic disorders

The pancreas plays an essential role in digestion. This organ produces enzymes that break down fats and, coordinates with bile from the gallbladder to digest fats.

An issue with the pancreas may result in oily or greasy stools due to one of the following conditions:

• Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation)
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Blocked pancreatic ducts

Issues with bile

If you don’t produce enough bile or if the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine is obstructed, it can result in fat malabsorption and fatty or oily poop.

Bile is necessary to emulsify the lipids in your diet and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Bile is essential for digesting and absorbing fatty foods within the gastrointestinal tract.

Gallbladder disorders

There are several Gallbladder disorders which may cause greasy or oily poop. Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is caused by solid stones that form in the gallbladder.

These stones impair the gallbladder's function. Symptoms of gallstones include belly pain beneath the ribcage, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the scapula.

Intestinal malabsorption syndromes

Several medical conditions can affect nutrient absorption, resulting in fatty stools.

These include inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, or a tropical sprue. Other malabsorption syndromes, including celiac disease and bacterial overgrowth, are discussed below.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack your own tissues if you eat gluten-containing foods.

Foods that contain gluten include wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine over time, which will lead to problems with absorption.

Small intestinal bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when too many bacteria overtake the small intestine. Although you usually have millions of bacteria in the large intestine, the small intestine normally has very few. The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from your food.

Infections

Infections can also disrupt fat absorption by altering gut bacteria. Viral infections are the most common cause of diarrhea.

In addition to viruses, bacteria and parasites can cause problems with your digestion. Some of these infections include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Viral gastroenteritis.

Medications

Some medications can affect fat absorption. Common medications that can cause malabsorption are Orlistat, certain antibiotics, some antacids, fish oil supplements, and mineral oil laxatives.

What oily poop may mean based on appearance, consistency, or another symptom or condition

You can learn a lot about your digestive health by looking at your poop. Normal poop is fairly solid and takes a round or oval shape. It should sink in the toilet. The color is usually medium brown. It can range from a yellowish color to dark green. If your stools are black or contain blood, you should see your doctor, as that can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Orange or yellow oily poop: Orange or yellow oily stools can be a sign of liver or gallbladder issues. They often contain excess fat. Sometimes, yellow, oily poop can be a sign of celiac disease.
• Oily, liquid poop: Greasy, sticky stools also suggest malabsorption. You may notice a film on top of the toilet water, and the stool may be difficult to flush completely. Greasy, sticky poop may also contain undigested food. If this persists, you will probably need to see your doctor for evaluation.
• Oily poop with a foul odor: Foul-smelling oily stools are common with malabsorption problems and are often accompanied by gas. This type of poop is common with malabsorption.
• Oily poop while pregnant: Oily stools during pregnancy can be related to diet or to your pregnancy. If you experience oily stools during pregnancy, you should consult your prenatal provider. They will probably monitor your stools closely, as this type of stool signals malabsorption. If that is the case, you and your baby may not be getting the vitamins and minerals you need.

Read our guides on different types of stool and stool colors for more.

When to see a doctor about oily, fatty stools

While some digestive issues can wait for a regular appointment, specific symptoms need prompt medical attention. Severe abdominal pain, significant weight loss, or signs of dehydration warrant immediate medical care. A healthcare provider should always evaluate persistent symptoms, even mild ones.

You should see a doctor if:

• Oily stools persist for more than two weeks
• You experience unexplained weight loss
• You have persistent abdominal pain
• You notice other changes in bowel habits
• You develop signs of malnutrition

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You have severe abdominal pain
• You develop a high fever
• You experience persistent vomiting
• You notice significant blood in stools
• You become severely dehydrated

Questions to ask your doctor about oily poop

If you decide to see your doctor about your fatty or oily poop, you should be sure your doctor has an accurate history of your symptoms. You should also ask questions to help you understand your condition.

Here are some questions to ask your doctor that may result in better understanding and outcomes:

• What tests are needed to determine the cause?
• Could my medications be contributing?
• What dietary changes would help?
• What nutrients might I be deficient in?

How to stop or treat oily poop

Treatment usually focuses on addressing the underlying cause while managing symptoms.

Someone with pancreatic problems might need enzyme supplements with meals. Others might benefit from changes in their diet or medications to help bile flow more effectively. The relationship between stress and digestive health should also be considered. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques often complement medical treatments effectively.

Success in managing conditions causing oily or fatty poop comes from developing consistent habits. Regular meal times, proper hydration, and attention to diet make a difference. Keeping track of symptoms and their triggers helps identify patterns so you can adjust accordingly.

Here are some interventions that can be helpful when you are experiencing fatty or oily poop:

Dietary modifications

• Reduce fat intake temporarily
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Choose easily digestible foods
• Keep a food diary to identify triggers

Nutritional support

• Work with a registered dietitian
• Consider vitamin supplements
• Monitor nutrient levels
• Maintain proper hydration

Medical treatment

Living with some underlying medical conditions that cause fatty or oily poop requires attention to diet and lifestyle, but many people successfully manage their symptoms through proper medical care and dietary adjustments.

Regular check-ups help monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed. If you have certain medical disorders like cystic fibrosis, you may require medication management.

How to prevent oily poop

If you’ve experienced oily poop, you are probably wondering how to prevent this condition in the future. There are a few changes you can try if you want to improve your digestion.

Healthy eating habits

• Balance your fat consumption
• Have regular mealtimes
• Prepare foods safely
• Make sure you have adequate fiber in your diet
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day
• Adjust the types of fats in your diet
• Stay well-hydrated
• Work with a nutritionist to ensure proper nutrient intake

Lifestyle changes

• Exercise regularly
• Manage your stress
• Drink adequate water
• Store food safely

Monitor your poop

• Get regular check-ups
• Recognize symptoms early
• Manage your medications carefully
• Track your diet to find any foods that cause oily poop

Frequently asked questions about oily or fatty poop

If you have oily or fatty poop, you may have questions. Let’s look at some questions asked most frequently by people looking for information about oily or fatty poop:

Do parasites cause oily poop?

In some cases, a parasite might be the cause of oily poop. Giardia lamblia is a common parasite that causes steatorrhea.

This parasite can infect animals or people. Transmission of infection occurs through contact with feces or contaminated water. That said, many cases of oily poop are simply caused by something you ate.

Is oily poop unhealthy?

Although oily poop can be a sign of conditions associated with malabsorption, if this is your first episode, it may just be caused by something you ate.

Chronic oily stools indicate a persistent problem with fat absorption and require medical evaluation. Long-term malabsorption can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and health complications.

Does oily poop mean you have pancreatic cancer?

Although pancreatic cancer can result in oily or loose and foul-smelling stools, many other conditions can cause the same thing.

So, if you have had oily poop for more than a week, consult your healthcare provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

What foods or drinks cause oily poop?

Certain foods can contribute to oily stools:

• Excessive fatty foods
• Fried foods
• Certain oils and fats
• Artificial fat substitutes
• Large amounts of nuts or seeds

What to remember about oily or fatty poop

Oily poop (steatorrhea) occurs when the fats in your diet are not absorbed in the small intestine. Malabsorption can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Occasional oily stools can result from fatty dietary choices, but you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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“Definition & facts for short bowel syndrome.” (2023, April 1). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts.

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