Obesity can have adverse effects on health as it can increase the risk for life threatening conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that fish oil, which contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, might have beneficial effects on obesity. Consult your health care provider before taking any fish oil supplements.
Prevents Obesity Complications
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake might help prevent medical complications of obesity, according to a study published in the February 2009 issue of the "Federation of the American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal." Scientists randomly assigned obese and diabetic mice to the omega-3 enriched diet, the control diet, docosahexaenoic acid, or the lipid resolvin. At the end of the five week study, scientists observed that mice consuming the omega-3 enriched diet experienced less inflammation and improved insulin tolerance compared to the other groups. Scientists stated that lipids found in omega-3 fatty acids called protectins and resolvins might help reduce the instance of liver complications such as insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn't use the hormone insulin efficiently and is caused by obesity.
Increases Satiety
Omega-3 fatty acid rich diet might increase satiety, which can decrease calorie intake and increase weight loss. Researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain examined the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on satiety in overweight and obese volunteers. Subjects followed a calorie restricted diet low or high in omega-3 fatty acids for eight weeks. In the last two weeks, scientists measured the hunger sensations of subjects directly after and two hours after a test dinner. At the end of the study, which was published in the November 2008 issue of the journal "Appetite," researchers concluded that the omega-3 group experienced greater satiety and less hunger sensations directly after and two hours after the test dinner.
Enhances Fat Loss
Fish oil combined with exercise might enhance fat loss in overweight and obese adults, according to a study published in the May 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Researchers concluded that subjects taking fish oil while performing exercise had reductions in fat mass compared to those taking a placebo containing sunflower oil. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the fish oil improved heart health by reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL or good cholesterol in the body.
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