THE EFFECT OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS SUPPLEMENTATION ON ANTHROPOMETRIC STATUS AND DESIRE TO FOODS IN OBESE ADULTS

Prevalence of obesity has increased in the world. Nowadays, it is known that
omega3 fatty acids have a key role in control of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the
effect of omega 3 fatty acids supplementation on Anthropometric status and desire to foods in obese
adults.
Methods: This study was a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. In our study, sixty-six obese
adults were randomly allocated in two groups. Subjects consumed omega3 (180 mg EPA and 120mg
DHA, intervention group) or placebo soft gels (placebo group) 1000mg twice a day for 4 weeks.
Anthropometric measurements and desire to different foods were collected at the beginning and the
end of the study. Visual analogue scales were used to assess desire to different foods. The data were
analyzed by a Nested-repeated measure ANOVA model.
Results: There were significant changes in waist circumference in both groups after supplementation
(P < 0. 05). Body weight and desire to different foods remained unchanged between intervention and
placebo groups but there was a significant increase in desire to sweet and saline foods within the
groups after 4 wk (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Omega3 fatty acids supplementation can decrease waist circumference without weight
loss. Therefore, high intakes of omega3 fatty acids via diet or supplements may be helpful for visceral
obesity.