title: Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition.
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Omega-3 fatty acids were not effective as an adjunct for weight loss in this otherwise healthy, overweight population.
authors.affiliation: The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. ldefina@cooperinst.org
authors.forename: Laura F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: DeFina
authors.forename: Lucille G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Marcoux
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Devers
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Cleaver
authors.forename: Benjamin L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Willis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid