Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition.

Background: In addition to the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, several studies have suggested an added weight loss-enhancing benefit to this supplement.

Objective: The objective was to assess whether supplemental omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with diet and exercise augment weight loss over a 6-mo period.

Design: In a single-institution, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 128 individuals with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) between 26 and 40 were assigned to receive 5 omega-3 [3.