Does Fish Oil Make You Weigh More?

People who are overweight or obese have increased risks for developing cardiovascular disease. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that reduce inflammation and improve your cardiovascular health. Instead of making you weight more, fish oil may help you lose weight as part of a low-calorie diet. Consult your doctor about fish oil and managing your weight.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contain eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, herring, halibut and sardines. Fish oil is available in supplements that may also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and D, calcium and iron. Increased consumption of fish oil reduces chronic disease risk in overweight and obese individuals, according to research by scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, and published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in July 2011. The results demonstrate higher concentrations of EPA and DHA in red blood cells are associated with less cardiovascular inflammation, lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced body mass index among overweight and obese individuals.

Fat

Effective weight-loss diets focus on reducing total calories, especially lowering calories from fat. All types of fat contribute 9 calories per gram. The choice of fats you eat can impact your health and risks of disease. Saturated and trans fats are unhealthy fats that may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fish Oil and Appetite

Appetite plays a big role in weight management. Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help you to curtail appetite and reduce weight. Scientists at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, found long chain omega-3 fatty acids enhance satiety after meals in overweight and obese individuals on a low-calorie weight-loss diet, according to research published in "Appetite" in November 2008. The scientists report individuals who consume long chain omega-3 fatty acids experience lower hunger sensations immediately after eating a meal and two hours later. The scientists conclude long chain omega-3 fatty acids improve compliance to weight loss and weight-loss maintenance among overweight and obese individuals.

Fish Oil and Weight Loss

There are few clinical studies published that studied the effects of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids on changes in weight. Scientists at The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas, evaluated whether fish oil supplements taken with diet and exercise augments weight loss over a six-month period, according to research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 2011. The results demonstrate that there was no difference in weight loss between individuals taking fish oil supplements and those who took placebo. Nonetheless, individuals who take fish oil supplements lose an average of over 5 percent body weight.