Obesity: omega-3 intake helps reduce energy intake
Obesity: fish oil helps decrease energy intake
Supplementation withOmega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may be helpful in limiting calorie intake, in obese or overweight women. This action is due to the ability of Omega-3 to reduce appetite. Although its effects on body weight have not yet been established, DHA, may be useful in the treatment of obesity and related diseases.
This is according to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research and carried out by researchers at the University of Sheffield and Obsidian Research Ltd (UK), with the aim of identifying the effects of DHA and oleic acid on body weight
Omega-3 and saturated fatty acids influence appetite
The sense of hunger is regulated by several physiological mechanisms that also include the action of hormones, neurotransmitters, and peptides. Cholecystokinin, for example, a hormone produced by the intestine following a high-fat meal, promotes feelings of satiety. Numerous studies have shown that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are able to stimulate the release of this hormone, and thus reduce appetite, more than saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids. Among monounsaturated fatty acids, the most common is definitely oleic acid, which is present in all animal fats and vegetable oils.
DHA limits fat, carbohydrate and calorie intake
The study, directed by Charlotte Harden, lasted 12 weeks and involved 40 women, aged 23 to 60, who were overweight or obese. The volunteers were randomly divided into two groups, and received, without knowing the composition, either a daily supplement rich in oleic acid or DHA. The supplement was administered in the form of an emulsion of oil in water, Each study participant, in addition, filled out a food diary so as to provide insight into the diet followed during the treatment.
The results, obtained from the 27 women who had completed the trial, showed that the DHA-treated volunteers had, compared with the other group, followed a less energetic diet and had consumed less fat and carbohydrates. Although no changes in body composition were evident, a slight decrease (by 5 percent) in initial body weight was visible for 39 percent of the women who had received Omega-3 and only 7 percent of those who had received oleic acid. Although this difference is not statistically significant, the results hold up well to comparisons 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-3s
The researchers hypothesize that Omega-3s, in addition to acting by regulating satiety, are able to limit the growth of fat cells and instead promote the oxidation of fatty acids and thus their consumption. This study lays the groundwork for the development of further research that may clarify the influence of Omega-3s on body weight loss.
Future studies should involve more subjects and include male subjects; use non-emulsified Omega-3 supplements; and refine the collection of dietary assessment information, according to the researchers. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, 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
