Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition

Abstract

Background: In addition to the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 (n23) fatty acids, several studies have suggested an added weight loss-enhancing benefit to this supplement. Objective: The objective was to assess whether supplemental omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with diet and exercise augment weight loss over a 6-mo period. Design: In a single-institution, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 128 individuals with a body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) between 26 and 40 were assigned to receive 5 omega-3 [3.0 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at a 5:1 ratio (EPA:DHA)] or placebo capsules daily in conjunction with lifestyle modification. The primary endpoint was weight loss; secondary endpoints included metabolic and psychometric variables. Analyses were by intention-to-treat. Results: Overweight and obese individuals were assigned to the omega-3 arm (n = 64) or to the placebo arm (n = 64). Subjects in both arms received dietary and exercise counseling. Eighty-one individuals completed the 24-wk study, and the dropout rate was 27%. Subjects in both arms lost an average of .5% of their body weight. No significant differences in weight loss were observed between the omega-3 (25.2 kg; 95% CI: 26.0, 24.4 kg) and placebo (25.8 kg; 95% CI: 26.7, 25.1 kg) arms. The absolute mean (6SEM) change difference was 0.61 6 0.58 kg (P = 0.29). In addition, no significant differences in the other factors assessed were observed. Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids were not effective as an adjunct for weight loss in this otherwise healthy, overweight population. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93:455-62.

Efectos de la suplementación de omega-3 y entrenamiento de intervalos de alta intensidad en el rendimiento físico, presión arterial y composición corporal en individuos sedentarios con sobrepeso

“…Estos resultados coinciden con los de Defina y cols. (32), quienes observaron que tras la suplementación de 3 g·día -1 de O3 durante 24 semanas junto a un plan de entrenamiento y modificación de dieta en pacientes obesos, no potenció la baja de masa corporal o porcentaje de masa grasa por sobre el grupo control (solo dieta y ejercicio).…”

Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation Improves Body Composition without Influence of the PPARγ Pro12Ala Polymorphism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Some studies found an inverse relationship between n-3 PUFAs on body weight and composition [20,21], but other studies did not find such effects [22,23]. Moreover, despite reports of a significant increase in adiponectin following n-3 supplementation [24,25], in other studies, significant changes have not been observed [26,27,28].…”

Studies on Mechanistic Role of Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Obesity An Overview

“…Despite the evidence described above, human trials have not always demonstrate the benefits of EPA and DHA supplementation in the treatment of obesity [106]. The dosage of fatty acid supplementation that could result in bioactivity necessary for obesity treatment is difficult to establish because these compounds are already present in the diet and have been combined in different proportions in each study.…”