Fish Oil Tested on Overweight and Obese

Researchers from The Cooper Institute in Dallas led by Dr. Laura F. DeFina studied the effects of fish oil on 128 overweight and obese individuals. Their findings were published in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The 128 individuals were composed of men and women classified as overweight or obese. They were also required to undergo a diet and exercise program. The participants took 5 fish oil capsules every day for 24 weeks. Their daily intake of fish oil was equivalent to 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. The other group was put on a placebo. Every participant was required to do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week and 20 to 30 minutes of strength training at least twice a week.

The Findings

Dr. DeFina and her colleagues found out that the use of fish oil in weight reduction did not showed significant results. Though both groups lost weight after completing the study, the figures revealed that the amount of lost weight between those who took omega-3 supplement and those who took placebo capsules were almost in the same level. The omega-3 group lost an average of 5.2 kilograms while the placebo group lost 5.8 kilograms.

Those who completed the study lost at least 5 percent of their weight. The researchers noted an increase in omega-3 concentration in blood from those who took fish oil capsules. They said that, although it did not produce much benefit in weight loss, it also produced a positive effect in cardiovascular health of the individual. “Whereas one may not enhance weight loss by taking supplements with this level of omega-3 fatty acids, the protective cardiovascular effect should still be realized because of the sheer increase in blood concentrations of the fatty acids.” Dr. Defina also added that weight-loss programs associated with the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids seemed appropriate.

Although fish oil may not be effective in accelerating your weight loss, there are other great health benefits that this supplement can give. Aside from helping ward off heard disease, it is also used for depression and psychological disorders. A UCLA study also noted that omega-3 fatty acids help prolong the lifespan of patients with coronary heart disease.

If you want to take natural omega-3 you can choose from salmon, bluefin tuna, mackerel, anchovies, herring, rainbow trout, crustaceans, and sardines. There are also Omega-3 capsules but be sure to buy only pure fish oil and with balanced DHA and EPA contents.