At first, taking fish oil for weight loss might seem a little weird. However, studies show that fish oil can actually help with three factors commonly associated with weight loss. 
Understanding these factors can help you make smarter decisions when it comes to weight loss. Let’s see what they are.
Weight Loss Is Often Associated With One Of These 3 Factors:
- Metabolism
- Obesity
- Weight Control
Ignoring Your Metabolism Is The Biggest Mistake You’ll Ever Make
Most doctors seem fairly convinced that a sluggish metabolism is pretty rare. This is because the bigger you are, the more calories your body needs to burn to stay active. However, we’ve ALL experienced those nagging hunger pains not too long after eating. What’s up with that?
Yep – You’re not always hungry when you think you are. And, you can thank your metabolism for that! According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 type fatty acids s are healthy fats that trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Ignoring this problem can quickly sabotage your weight loss goals.
A renegade metabolism can lead to obesity. Natural fish oils, which are rich in omega-3s, can positively influence metabolism, with regular consumption reducing an individual’s risk for becoming obese In animal studies, omega-3s stimulate the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism.
Obesity: Is It Just Genetics, Or Something Else?
If you’ve come to terms with the fact that your metabolism is fine, but your waistline didn’t get the memo you’re probably wondering what else is going on here.
Like most people, if you listen to the news, chances are you’ve heard that scientists have been investigating the ‘fat gene’. Most people are well aware that obesity tends to run in families, or at least that’s how it seems. Recent research suggests that there may be something else going on, though.
Scientists at the School of Medicine University of Illinois at Chicago were able to show that feeding lab animals a diet lacking in omega-3 produced obese offspring in only three generations!
Weight Control Isn’t What You Think It Is
For those who’ve decided to take control of their metabolism, or who are interested in preventing or reducing obesity, the first step often involves weight control. Traditionally, this step has focused primarily on a calories in vs. calories out approach. However, special enzymes actually play a larger role in weight loss than you might think.
In a study that lasted 12 weeks, researchers gave omega-3s to a group of obese adults daily, along with supervised moderate aerobic exercise 3x a week. The researchers compared the results of this group with other groups that were not given omega-3s. The group that had the omega-3 fish oil lost significantly more weight, particularly around the abdominal region, than the people who’d not taken omega-3s. What’s so special about that?
The researchers concluded that omega-3 reduces body weight and increases fat loss. The theory is, omega-3s help activate the enzymes responsible for burning fat, and combined with exercise and increased oxygen intake, they increase your metabolic rate. So, controlling your weigh may actually have more to do with controlling your fish oil intake!
How Can Taking Fish Oil Help With Weight Loss?
For starters, research shows that fish oil can help with metabolism, obesity, and weight control. And remember, your weight loss goals probably involve at least one (if not more!) of these areas.
There’s reason to believe fish oil has a positive effect on your metabolism, too. Studies at the University of South Australia have found that taking omega-3 fish oil combined with moderate aerobic exercise boosts weight loss, and also reduces insulin resistance.
What Works Better Than Diet & Exercise Alone?
Fish oil does, according to one study involving 69 overweight patients being treated for hypertension found that a weight-loss program incorporating daily fish meals rich in omega-3s (3.65 g) was more effective than either measure alone at improving metabolism and dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol, high blood triglyceride levels).
Perhaps more importantly though, fish oil can actually help you bodybuilders burn calories at a faster pace. In one recent study, study participants given omega-3s burned about 26% more calories a day than those not given fish oil.
How You Can Make Smarter Choices About Weight Loss
Taking a close look at how metabolism, obesity, and weight control factor into your weight loss concerns is one of the smartest things you can do.
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