Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Exercise in Obesity Management: Independent and Synergistic Benefits in Metabolism and Knowledge Gaps
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Obesity is a significant global health issue, profoundly affecting metabolic and cardiovascular health and other related chronic conditions. In Chile, the prevalence of obesity is among the highest within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, highlighting a critical public health challenge. This narrative review examines current evidence on the independent and potential synergistic roles of omega-3 fatty acids and exercise in managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been shown to lower triglyceride levels, enhance lipid metabolism, and modulate inflammation via pathways involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Exercise interventions, such as moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), provide distinct yet complementary metabolic benefits. Specifically, MICT improves body fat distribution and mitochondrial efficiency, whereas HIIT has notable effects on metabolic adaptability and insulin signaling. Additionally, emerging evidence points toward a potential role of the kinin-kallikrein system, particularly kallikrein 7 (KLK7), in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Despite these promising findings, several knowledge gaps persist regarding optimal dosing, intervention timing, population-specific effects, and the exact mechanisms behind the potential synergistic interactions between omega-3 supplementation and structured exercise. This review emphasizes the importance of conducting further research, particularly controlled clinical trials, to clarify these combined interventions' effectiveness and establish targeted therapeutic strategies tailored to individual metabolic profiles.
Source: Biology
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W4409763786