Khalili M ¹ (MSc), Karimi H ¹ (MSc), * Golestan B² (PhD), Janani L ² (MSc), Mazaheryoon M ³ (MSc)

  ¹ National Nutrition & Food Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran

  ² Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ³ Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Kish International Branch, Kish, Iran

  Received 25 May 2009, Accepted 29 Jul 2009

  Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is considered as one of the main challenges of the present era. Many physicians and nutritionists seek new and efficient ways to overcome this problem. Using supplements in addition to the routine diets is among these methods. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of fish oil in addition to the low calorie diet on the weight loss of obese women. 

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 40 obese (BMI>30) women were randomly assigned to either low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet plus a daily supplement of three-gram fish oil. Their weight loss was measured after eight weeks. Data were analyzed by paired and independent sample t-test and chi-square test. 

Results: The two groups did not differ in terms of age, BMI, education, marital status, and occupation. The mean weight loss of the 15 women in the low-calorie diet plus fish oil group was 3.73 1.62 Kg which did not differ significantly from 17 women in the low-calorie diet group with mean weight loss of 4.33 2.16 Kg (P=0.404). 

Conclusion: Our findings showed that adding three grams of fish oil to daily diet did not have significant impact on weight loss however, 87% of those in the supplement group were willing to continue the given diet compared to 47% of those in non-supplement group. This confirms the positive psychological effect of fish oil on the continuation of weight loss diets. 

Keywords: Weight Loss, Diet Therapy, Fish Oils, Obesity 

Hakim Research Journal 2009 12(2): 32- 37

  * Corresponding Author: Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Scienc es, Enghelab Ave, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98- 21- 88951407, Fax: 88989127, bgolestan@tums.ac.ir