Is it possible to lose weight with omega-3?
Good morning, I would like to know if Omega-3 helps with weight loss and if it helps fight abdominal fat.
Dear Madam,
Several studies suggest that the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (in particular EPA - eicosapentaenoic acid - and DHA - docosahexaenoic acid - the marine-derived Omega-3s), combined with a low-calorie diet and moderate but consistent physical activity, can support weight loss.
The reasons why Omega-3s might help with weight loss are the following:
- They increase basal fat oxidation – the process by which fat is "burned" to produce energy – thus helping to lose weight "correctly," eliminating excess stored fat;
- They counteract lipogenesis – the process through which fat is stored as a reserve in the body.
In this regard, you can consult the following scientific publication:
Kunesová M et al. The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and very low calorie diet during a short-term weight reducing regimen on weight loss and serum fatty acid composition in severely obese women. Physiol Res. 2006;55(1):63-72. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.930770
In this study, conducted on 20 severely obese women following a very low-calorie diet, participants who took Omega-3 lost more weight than those who took a placebo. Only 3 weeks of diet combined with supplementation were enough to see significant effects on body mass index and hip circumference. According to the researchers, these weight loss results could be attributed to increased fat oxidation induced by Omega-3 fatty acids.
More recently, another study found beneficial effects of Omega-3 supplementation in weight loss programs:
Salman HB et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on weight loss and cognitive function in overweight or obese individuals on weight-loss diet. Nutr Hosp. 2022 Aug 25;39(4):803-813. English. doi: 10.20960/nh.03992
Forty overweight or obese volunteers, all on weight loss diets, were divided into two groups, with only one group taking Omega-3 for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, those who took Omega-3 lost more weight, showing greater reductions in waist circumference and abdominal fat percentage.
Losing Weight with the Support of Omega-3: Omegor® Vitality 1000 and Omegor® Antiage
While it remains necessary to act on the body's energy balance to lose weight, preferably combining a proper diet with moderate and consistent physical activity, current data suggest that Omega-3 intake may support weight loss, allowing greater weight reduction and optimizing the effects of the diet.
Therefore, if your diet is low in fatty fish – such as anchovies, sardines, salmon – which should be eaten at least twice a week, we recommend considering taking a supplement like Omegor® Vitality 1000 (1 or 2 capsules per day). This product is made from fish oil concentrated at 90%, evaluated by IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards, the best-known quality certification for Omega-3 supplements) with the highest score since 2005, the year of its launch.
You can optionally support your antioxidant defenses by combining Omegor® Vitality with 1 capsule per day of Omegor® Antiage, a supplement that combines fish oil (source of EPA and DHA) with ingredients associated with antioxidant properties (resveratrol, curcuminoids from turmeric, and vitamin E).
We remain available for further information.
Best regards,
the Omegor pharmacist team.
