The Effects of Omega 3 Supplementation on Obesity and Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Regression Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Despite the fact that Obesity and overweightOverweight are serious major health problems worldwide, fighting against them is also considered a challenging issue. Several interventional studies have evaluated the potential weight-reduction effect of omega 3. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of omega 3 supplementation on weight lossWeight loss in the healthy and unhealthy population. For this Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the weight lossWeight loss effects of omega 3. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes. Thirty six studies were included in this systematic review and meta‐regression analysis. The pooled findings showed that omega 3 supplementation has an effect on lowering waist circumferences (WC) (weighted mean difference (WMD): − 0.57 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI): − 1.06 to − 0.07, P = 0.024) and body fatBody fat percent’s (WMD: − 0.78%, 95% CI: − 1.44 to − 0.13, P = 0.019) in humans compared with control groups. However, no significant effect was observed on body weight and body mass indexBody mass index (BMI). The findings of the subgroup also show a greater effect of omega-3 supplements on reducing WC in participants with BMI ≤ 30 compared to BMI > 30. Furthermore, low heterogeneity was reported for all factors. Omega 3 fatty acids had significant effects on visceral obesityVisceral obesity with the reduction of WC and body fatBody fat.