Study: Fish oil can increase weight loss
Last Updated Aug 2007
A research report that appeared in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition indicates taking fish oil could induce weight loss in overweight and obese
cardiovascular patients who were doing limited exercise (a 45-minute walk or run
three times a week). Compared to those getting sunflower oil, people who were
taking fish oil lost an additional 4.5 pounds of weight.
How is it possible that fat can burn fat? There are two likely answers. First, the
fish oil contains DHA, which can activate the nuclear transcription factor PPAR
alpha that express enzymes known to increase the rate of oxidation of fatty acids
(i.e. the enzymes that burn fat). Fish oil also contains EPA, which can inhibit the
binding of hormones in the brain (endocannabinoids) that cause you to be hungry. If
you aren't hungry, then cutting back on calories is a lot easier. Combine both
factors and you will lose more weight.
In fact, the remarkable weight loss by Manuel Uribe, the world's heaviest man, (see
stories about him on Zoneliving.com and here at drsears.com) can be explained by the
combination of the Zone Diet and the very high doses of fish oil that he is taking
after every meal.