Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition

DeFina, Laura F; Marcoux, Lucille G; Devers, Susan M; Cleaver, Joseph P; Willis, Benjamin L

doi:10.3945/ajcn.110.002741

Cited by 89Fatty Acid Research and HealthPharmacology and Obesity TreatmentDiet and metabolism studies

Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition

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DeFina, Laura F, Marcoux, Lucille G, Devers, Susan M, Cleaver, Joseph P, Willis, Benjamin L·2011·The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

DOI 10.3945/ajcn.110.002741

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Abstract

Background In addition to the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, several studies have suggested an added weight loss-enhancing benefit to this supplement.Objective The objective was to assess whether supplemental omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with diet and exercise augment weight loss over a 6-mo period.Design In a single-institution, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 128 individuals with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) between 26 and 40 were assigned to receive 5 omega-3 [3.0 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at a 5:1 ratio (EPA:DHA)] or placebo capsules daily in conjunction with lifestyle modification. The primary endpoint was weight loss; secondary endpoints included metabolic and psychometric variables. Analyses were by intention-to-treat.Results Overweight and obese individuals were assigned to the omega-3 arm (n = 64) or to the placebo arm (n = 64). Subjects in both arms received dietary and exercise counseling. Eighty-one individuals completed the 24-wk study, and the dropout rate was 27%. Subjects in both arms lost an average of >5% of their body weight. No significant differences in weight loss were observed between the omega-3 (-5.2 kg; 95% CI: -6.0, -4.4 kg) and placebo (-5.8 kg; 95% CI: -6.7, -5.1 kg) arms. The absolute mean (±SEM) change difference was 0.61 ± 0.58 kg (P = 0.29). In addition, no significant differences in the other factors assessed were observed.Conclusion Omega-3 fatty acids were not effective as an adjunct for weight loss in this otherwise healthy, overweight population.

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Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and lipid-lowering properties.
“These fatty acids are primarily found in fish and fish oil supplements and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and lipid-lowering properties [2,3].”
From Marine-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2025) · cites this paper as [2]

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Authors: DeFina, L. F., Marcoux, L. G., Devers, S. M., Cleaver, J. P., & Willis, B. L.
Affiliations: Cooper Institute (US)
Corresponding author: DeFina, Laura F
ORCID: DeFina, Laura F
Venue: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2011-02
Volume: 93
Issue: 2
Pages: 455-462
ISSN: 0002-9165 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.110.002741
OpenAlex: W2127128979
Cited by: 89
References: 40
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2023: 2 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 7
FWCI: 6.07
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/open-access/userlicense/1.0/ (vor, 4402 d)
Locations: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Diet and metabolism studies
Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, weight loss, obesity, overweight, lifestyle modification, diet and exercise counseling, body composition, dietary supplementation
MeSH terms: Adult, Body Composition, Combined Modality Therapy, Diet, Reducing, Dietary Fats, Docosahexaenoic Acids, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Weight Loss, Exercise, Dietary Supplements, Overweight

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Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition

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