Background: There is some evidence in the literature that emphasising fish consumption may assist with weight loss. The aim was to assess the effects of advice to consume 2 fish meals per week in a weight loss diet.
Methods: A parallel randomised placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 118 obese Australian adults (mean BMI ± SD 31.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2; mean age ± SD 45 ± 10 y; 28% male). Participants received low calorie dietary advice+placebo (1 g olive oil; CONTROL), low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish+placebo (Fish), or low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish diet + LCn3PUFA supplements (Fish+S). Individualised advice targeted 2 MJ energy deficit (30%E fat, 45%E carbohydrate and 25%E protein) with or without two servings (180 g) fatty fish/wk.
Results: All groups lost weight at 12 months (CONTROL -4.5 kg vs. Fish -4.3 kg vs. Fish+S -3.3 kg; p<0.001) and percentage body fat (
Control: -1.5% vs. Fish: -1.4% vs. Fish+S: -0.7%; p<0.001) but there were no significant differences between groups. Cardiovascular disease risk factors changed as expected from weight loss.
Conclusions: Advice to consume 2 fish meals per week did not enhance the effects on weight loss of a healthy low calorie diet.
Trial registration: ACTRN12608000425392.