Omega-3 and fish oil supplements pack all types of health benefits into one capsule. From the ability to reduce the risk of depression to better skin health, fish oil supplements have plenty to offer.
While the many health benefits are great, do fish oil supplements and omega-3 help with weight loss?
The short answer is simply yes, omega-3 and fish oil supplements help with weight loss. However, there is a longer answer with an explanation of how these popular supplements might help a person lose weight.
Curb Appetite with Fish Oil
The omega-3s found in fish oil help with weight loss by reducing a person’s appetite. Those following a weight loss diet will find this benefit rather helpful.
A study done comparing the impact of one group taking 0.3 grams or less of fish oil omega-3s and a group taking 1.3 grams or more of the same supplement found the group taking the larger amount felt significantly fuller for as much as two hours after eating a meal.
A Boost in Metabolism
Studies have also shown fish oil omega-3 supplements may help boost metabolism. An increase in metabolic rate means a person has the ability to burn more calories over the same amount of time.
One study showed a metabolic rate increase of nearly 4% over a 12 week period for adults taking a 6-gram fish oil supplement.
Another study showed an increase of about 14% in older women taking a 3-gram fish oil supplement each day for 12 weeks.
With the ability to increase metabolism, fish oil supplements provide those on a weight loss diet another way to burn more calories each day.
Better Exercise
While diet is the most important part of losing weight, exercise is an incredible tool to help boost weight loss. The ability to get more out of the same exercise provides many benefits to help a person lose weight faster and easier.
Fish oil omega-3 supplements may help to increase the calories you can burn during exercise. Some researchers believe fish oil allows the body to switch from using carbohydrates as a source of fuel during exercise to fats.
In fact, a study found women taking a 3-gram fish oil supplement every day burned 10% more calories and as much as 27% more fat during exercise.
Combining a weight loss diet with exercise and a fish oil supplement may lead to faster, easier weight loss due to the benefit of burning more calories and fat during exercise.
Are There Any Risks to Fish Oil Supplements?
With anything, even natural supplements, such as fish oil omega-3 supplements, risks are possible. According to an article found on Medical news Today, the risks of taking an omega-3 or fish oil supplement are rather mild, they may include:
- Bad breath
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bad-smelling sweat
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
These side effects may only last a short time as your body adjusts to taking the supplement. Overall, taking a fish oil omega-3 supplement has many benefits contributing to faster and easier weight loss. If you’re seeking a way to brand your own fish oil supplement, BioThrive can help. We provide high quality fish oil and omega-3 supplements with contract manufacturing and private label options to fit all your specific needs.