Omega-3 fatty acid has been linked to many health benefits such as heart health, prostate cancer prevention, eye health and improved infant development. However, recent studies have revealed that Omega 3 can also lower bodyweight.
The new studies reveal that the blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in overweight and obese people are almost 1% lower than those people with a healthy weight. According to researchers, the Omega-3 PUFA-rich fats/oils may have a big role assisting in weight loss and weight maintenance.
There have been previous studies, which have implicated the intake of Omega-3 benefit against weight gain and now new studies have added to this new evidence. Now, a considerable number of studies favor the benefit of Omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid for cognitive and cardiovascular health.
During an experiment, researchers took 124 people, of varying weights. Viewing their body mass index, 21 people were of healthy weight, 40 people were classified as overweight and 63 were obese. However, people consuming omega-3 supplement or foods containing omega-3 were not included in the study.
The subjects were made to fast for at least ten hours and blood samples were taken from them. The researchers recorded the converse relationship between total omega-3 blood levels and the blood levels of EPA and DHA with the body mass index, the subject’s waist size and hip perimeter.
The findings showed that the omega 3 level in obese people was 4.53 % as compared to 5.25 % in people with healthy weight. When the people were classed according to the omega-3 levels, it was found that the omega-3 level was more in those people who had healthier body mass index, smaller waist, and lower hip size.
According to this study, it was found that the Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation might play an important role to prevent obesity and improve weight loss. This observation was supported by previous studies made on Omega-3 benefits. An Australia-based researcher has also commented that the reason behind omega-3 fatty acids aiding in weight management is biologically plausible. Their studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may increase heat production by burning energy.
In another study, researchers suggested that the Omega-3 might boost the feeling of fullness after taking a meal in both obese and overweight people.
With these new findings, controlling body weight may be possible with the intake of Omega-3 supplement or fish with Omega-3 fatty oil.