This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
First thing’s first, exercise is a vital component in successful weight loss. But, more studies are finding that vitamin and mineral deficiencies could be playing a role in stubborn fat, which is why it’s recommended to consult with your doctor to make sure your metabolism is getting the essential nutrients it needs.
In fact, experts say that one of the most common deficiencies in those struggling to lose weight is in omega-3 fatty acids. Keep scrolling to learn how taking fish oil supplements can help promote weight loss:
"Few anti-inflammatories can beat omega-3 fish oil, which has been proven to shed pesky visceral fat stored deep in the abdomen and surrounding the organs," Samantha Morrison, Health and Wellness expert for Glacier Wellness tells SheFinds.
There's even on-going research that suggests that omega-3s can assist with weight loss. Studies show that it's all thanks to the DHA that can be found in fish oil, which is believed to prevent pre-fat cells from being converted into fat.
Several studies from "The American Journal of Nutrition" and "International Journal of Obesity" suggest that consuming 1.5 to 2 grams daily of fish oil can help shed pounds.
Though taking the supplement helped, researchers were quick to point out that the results were most likely obtained through the combination of the supplement and exercise.
"Those who took fish oil and exercised lost more than those who just took fish oil or exercised. Fish oil appears to enhance weight loss, at least in part, by increasing fat metabolism," according to the experts at Livestrong.
But experts say that taking a fish oil supplement can do more than just promote weight loss. It's actually responsible for maintaining your overall health!
"Omega-3 fats are essential to your overall health and have a positive impact on heart and brain function as well as reducing inflammation in the body," Dr. Cobi Slater, Ph.D., DNM, CHT, RNCP, NNCP, explains.
If you're not too keen on adding another supplement to your pill box, you can reap these benefits from your diet, too. Experts say that fatty fish like salmon and tuna are great places to start!
