Does taking omega-3 cause weight gain?

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid known for its health benefits for the heart, brain, and immune system. However, many people wonder, “Does omega-3 cause weight gain?”, “Does taking omega-3 make you gain weight?”, or even “Does omega-3 help with weight loss?”. This article will address these questions based on reliable research.

1. How many calories are in one omega-3 capsule? Does omega-3 cause weight gain?

Taking omega-3 in the correct dosage does not cause weight gain. According to Healthline, omega-3 does not directly make you gain weight because it contains very few calories. A typical omega-3 capsule contains about 10-12 calories, depending on the size and concentration of the product. This is a very small amount compared to your total daily caloric intake. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about gaining weight from taking omega-3.

However, if you consume omega-3 beyond the recommended dosage or fail to monitor your daily caloric intake, weight gain could occur. This would not be due to omega-3 itself but rather the overall calorie surplus in your diet.

2. Does taking omega-3 help with weight loss?

Many studies suggest that omega-3 can support the weight loss process. Specifically:

• Reducing appetite: Omega-3 helps control hunger and increases feelings of fullness, which can lead to eating less.
• Boosting metabolism: Omega-3 enhances the body’s ability to burn calories, especially during exercise.
• Supporting belly fat reduction: Some research shows that omega-3 may help reduce fat in the abdominal area, which is typically difficult to lose. However, the effectiveness depends on overall diet and exercise.

Thus, the answer to the question “Does omega-3 help with weight loss?” is that omega-3 does not directly lead to weight loss but can support the process when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

3. Does taking omega-3 make you fat?

If you take omega-3 in the recommended dosage, it will not make you fat. On the contrary, omega-3 helps the body maintain a healthy weight. However, if you take too much omega-3 without controlling your diet, excess calories could lead to weight gain.

It’s worth noting that omega-3 is often included in fish oil supplements. Therefore, read the product label carefully to understand the calorie content and other ingredients.

4. Other benefits of omega-3

Besides supporting weight management, omega-3 offers numerous health benefits, including:

• Improving heart health: Omega-3 helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Reducing inflammation: Omega-3 decreases inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammation.
• Enhancing brain function: Omega-3 improves memory and concentration.

5. Tips for using omega-3

• Follow the dosage: Take the amount recommended on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Typically, you should consume about 1,000-2,000 mg of omega-3 daily.
• Choose quality products: Opt for reputable brands offering pure fish oil free from heavy metals.
• Combine with a healthy lifestyle: Omega-3 works best when paired with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest.

The answer to questions like “Does omega-3 cause weight gain?” and “Does taking omega-3 make you fat?” is that omega-3 does not cause weight gain if used correctly. In fact, omega-3 can support weight loss by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism. However, for the best results, combine omega-3 with a healthy lifestyle and consult a doctor if needed.

References:

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-fish-oil-and-weight-loss
• https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet 
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fish-oil-side-effects

Read more:

• Does omega-3 improve memory?