Omega-3 Fats and Weight Loss

Question: Do omega-3 fats help people lose weight?

Answer: Omega-3 fats are one type of polyunsaturated fat, found mainly in fatty fish, but also in flaxseed, canola oil and walnuts. Consuming enough omega-3 fats, especially in proportion to other types of fat, seems to promote heart health by decreasing inflammation and blood clotting. Other health benefits include lowering the risk of some types of cancer. While omega-3 fats may help prevent some health problems commonly linked with excess weight, no evidence indicates that these fats help people lose weight. To obtain the known benefits of omega-3 fats, experts generally recommend two servings a week of a variety of fish, along with regular use of the plant sources of these healthy fats. This health advice goes well with the eating style recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) called The New American Plate. The New American Plate helps you combine portion control and a healthy balance of food choices into a sustainable new way of eating. This eating style, along with regular exercise, is the most practical approach to weight loss.