Obesity: Omega-3 intake helps reduce energy intake
Obesity: fish oil helps reduce energy intake
Supplementation with Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may help limit calorie intake in overweight or obese women. This effect is due to Omega-3s’ ability to reduce appetite. Although effects on body weight have not yet been confirmed, DHA could be useful in the treatment of obesity and related conditions.
This emerges from a study published in the journal Nutrition Research conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and Obsidian Research Ltd (UK), aimed at identifying the effects of DHA and oleic acid on body weight.
Omega-3 and saturated fatty acids influence appetite
Hunger is regulated by several physiological mechanisms, including hormones, neurotransmitters, and peptides. For example, cholecystokinin, a hormone produced by the intestine after a fatty meal, promotes satiety. Numerous studies have shown that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate the release of this hormone and thus reduce appetite more effectively than saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids. Among monounsaturated fats, oleic acid is the most common, found in all animal fats and vegetable oils.
DHA limits intake of fats, carbohydrates, and calories
The study, led by Charlotte Harden, lasted 12 weeks and involved 40 women aged between 23 and 60 years, overweight or obese. Participants were randomly divided into two groups and given, without knowing the composition, a daily supplement rich in either oleic acid or DHA. The supplement was administered as an oil-in-water emulsion. Each participant also kept a food diary to provide information about their diet during the treatment.
Results from the 27 women who completed the study showed that those treated with DHA followed a lower-energy diet and consumed fewer fats and carbohydrates compared to the other group. Although there were no significant changes in body composition, a slight weight reduction (5%) of initial body weight was observed in 39% of the women who received Omega-3, compared to only 7% in the oleic acid group. While this difference was not statistically significant, these results compare well with previous clinically approved treatments, in which 33% of subjects lost 5% of their initial weight after one year of treatment.
The actions of Omega-3
Researchers hypothesize that Omega-3s not only regulate satiety but also limit the growth of fat cells and promote fatty acid oxidation, thereby increasing their consumption. This study lays the groundwork for further research to clarify the influence of Omega-3s on body weight loss.
Future studies, according to researchers, should include a larger number of participants, include males, use non-emulsified Omega-3 supplements, and improve dietary assessment methods. To stay updated on the latest scientific research on Omega-3, subscribe to our newsletter.
Source: Charlotte J. Harden, Victoria A. Dible, Jean M. Russell, Iveta Garaiova, Sue F. Plummer, Margo E. Barker, Bernard M. Corfe “Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation had no effect on body weight but reduced energy intake in overweight and obese women” Nutrition Research doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.10.004
