Beneficial Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Obesity and Related Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n -3 PUFAs) are known to help resolve inflammation through generation of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and specialized pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins, protectins, and maresins. Through binding to the GPR120/FFAR4 receptor, their beneficial effects result from phospholipid membrane remodeling, impairment of inflammatory signaling molecules clustering, subsequent inhibition of NF-κB and inflammasome activation, and a reduction in oxidative stress. Obesity, a chronic inflammatory disease that contributes to metabolic disorders, is alleviated by n -3 PUFAs. In the adipose tissue (AT) of individuals with obesity, n -3 PUFAs counteract hypoxia, inhibit immune cell infiltration and AT inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce fat mass. Beyond AT, n -3 PUFAs also alleviate other metabolic disorders such as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), gut dysbiosis, and/or renal dysfunction. In cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are mainly recommended as a secondary prevention for patients with coronary heart disease risks. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the benefits of n -3 PUFAs in obesity and related metabolic diseases, examining both the mechanistic and clinical aspects. Additionally, it also explores the effects of n -3 PUFAs in obesity-related chronic inflammatory conditions, including inflammat

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.