Among the most recent studies that found that fish oil had a positive effect on weight or fat loss, daily dosages of 300–3,000 mg were used ( 27 , 28 ). According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), intake of fish oil omega-3s is considered safe if the daily dose does not exceed 3,000 mg per day (29).
Fish oil helps build muscle mass in the body and burns extra fat. Regular consumption of fish oil per dosage can help you lose weight and burn belly fat.
Potential Benefits
To maintain a healthy heart, be sure you're getting enough EPA and DHA. Up to 1,000 mg of total EPA and DHA per day is recommended for people who have coronary heart disease and are at risk of having a heart attack ( 24 , 25 ).
If you are taking fish oil for general cardiovascular health (as opposed to treatment for elevated triglycerides, for example), or because you think you might not be getting enough omega-3s from your diet, a single 1,000 mg softgel (providing about 300 mg EPA and 200 DHA) should be sufficient.
In another study, moderate amounts of fish oil (6g/day) were found to increase HDL or good cholesterol levels (17). Hence, if you need to lose weight, add fish oil to your diet. It will not only help you lose subcutaneous fat but also reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have various potential health benefits, one of which is aiding weight loss. More importantly, fish oil omega-3s may help you lose inches and shed body fat. However, studies have found these effects appear to be modest, and they may not apply to everyone.
When taken by mouth: Fish oil is likely safe for most people in doses of 3 grams or less daily. Taking more than 3 grams daily might increase the chance of bleeding. Fish oil side effects include heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can reduce these issues.
Because most of the benefits of fish oil are associated with long-term use, you can take it at any time of day. That said, splitting your supplement into two smaller doses in the morning and at night can reduce acid reflux.
How long does it take for omega-3's to work? Levels of omega-3's build up quickly in the body once you take supplements. But it may take 6 weeks to 6 months to see a significant change in mood, pain, or other symptoms.
Fish Oil Dosage Matters
Research has consistently shown that at least 2000 mg of EPA/DHA daily may be necessary for anti-inflammatory effects (7, 8, 9). Similarly, scientists have estimated that the average American adult needs 2000 mg of EPA/DHA daily to reach a healthy omega-3 index level (10).
Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease. They have been used along with diet and exercise to help lower levels of a certain blood fat (triglyceride) and to raise levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
While fish oil is a general term for oils made from the tissue of fish, omega-3 describes a specific form of fatty acids, that are essential for our health and well-being but that our body cannot produce itself. This means, we need to ingest them through food or via a supplement, like fish oil!
Coconut oil is the best bet to reduce belly fat. Since there are shreds of evidence that show that coconut oil boosts fat loss, it reduces belly fat. It happens due to MCTs in coconut oil which stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite by inducing satiety.
Fish Oil Might Boost the Metabolism
Your metabolic rate increases as you burn more calories and find it simpler to lose weight and keep it off. One small study found that 6 grams of fish oil daily for 12 weeks increased healthy young individuals' metabolic rates by roughly 3.8%.
With just 25 calories per serving, fish oil is unlikely to cause weight gain. This dietary supplement actually promotes fat loss and aids in weight management. In clinical trials, it has been shown to reduce fat storage by inhibiting the proliferation of fat cells.
While some customers report feeling a difference in a matter of a few weeks, it more commonly takes up to 3 months to document clinical effects. Interestingly, research indicates that fish oil users frequently experience increased benefits up to one year before the effects start to plateau.
Since omega-3 fatty acids work on the same biochemical pathways as NSAIDs, taking your fish oil supplement in the evening could make it easier to get out of bed in the morning with greater comfort.
Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some research suggests that these fatty acids can improve skin health, as well as specific skin conditions, such as eczema and acne.
Now that we know that the omega-3 supplement does not show its beneficial effects immediately, it is important to be consistent and take it over a period of at least three months, to see results.
Research suggests omega 3 fatty acids from regularly consuming fish may boost your sleep quality, help you fall asleep more quickly and improve your daytime performance. One study showed these improvements among a group of adult men who ate fatty fish three times a week for several months.
A standard 1000 mg fish oil softgel provides around 300 mg of Omega-3s, and to meet the 500 mg EPA and DHA recommendation, a minimum of two softgels would be necessary. Make sure to read the “Supplement Facts” label to determine the amount of EPA and DHA in a fish oil/omega-3 supplement.
A 2015 study indicated that women taking a fish oil supplement experienced significantly increased hair growth and reduced hair loss. A 2018 study indicated that when mackerel-derived fermented fish oil (FFO) extract was topically applied to mice it significantly stimulated hair growth.