Fish Oil for Weight Loss
A university research project suggests omega 3 fish oil and
exercise may be the key to weight loss.
 |
Omega 3 Fish Oil for Weight Loss
By Jon Slater
|
The current popularity and understanding of the benefits of
omega 3 fish oil could just be a drop in the ocean. Now a recent
study has shown that taking fish oil supplements, with regular
exercise, can assist weight loss.
The study by the University of South Australia took 75
overweight and obese people (with other cardiovascular disease
risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels)
and split them into four groups. At the first split, half were
given doses of tuna fish oil while the others were given the
same amount of sunflower oil which contains no omega 3. Both
these groups were then split. Half taking no extra exercise
while the others completed three 45-minute runs, at 75% of their
maximum heart rate, each week. The participants were encouraged
not to otherwise change their diet.
After 3 weeks, three of the groups showed little change.
However, the group that were given the fish oil and had done the
exercise showed a decrease in body fat percentage plus an
average 2kg/4.5lb weight loss.
The results seem more impressive given that no other changes
to eating habits were made. Also, the exercise 'regime' was not
much more than the recommended levels for everyone; not just
those trying to lose weight. When combined with a
calorie-counted diet and increased exercise, the effects of
fish oil on weight loss could prove substantial.
It is believed that omega 3 oil improves the flow of blood to
the muscles during exercise and helps to stimulate enzymes which
transport fat to where it can be used up for energy.
Omega 3 oil is widely available as a supplement and as an
additive in certain foods and drinks. Its popularity has been
boosted by previous studies linking omega 3 to: improved brain
and memory function, good eye-development and maintenance plus
the ability to reduce the risks of Alzheimer's and strokes.
Extended studies are planned to further understand the
effects of omega 3 over a longer period and combined with
greater exercise. Although taking omega 3 in its natural form
(from fish for example) may give the greatest benefits, omega 3
fish oil supplements could be an effective natural weight loss
supplement to combine with an exercise programme.
WLR says:
As always with early studies you have to be careful not to
get swept away. However, these are very promising results and
will probably boost omega 3 supplement sales even before any further
research is done. Alongside all the other associated benefits of
fish oil, this is certainly no reason to start avoiding omega 3. If you
haven't already made oily fish a regular part of your diet this
is as good a time as any to start reeling it in.
More Information
More news on this
fish oil for weight loss story.
Info from the
Omega 3
Institute
Sources and benefits of
Oily Fish
|
