Fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight in European women and men

Br J Nutr. 2013 Jan 28;109(2):353-62. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001079. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

Abstract

Fish consumption is the major dietary source of EPA and DHA, which according to rodent experiments may reduce body fat mass and prevent obesity. Only a few human studies have investigated the association between fish consumption and body-weight gain. We investigated the association between fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight. Women and men (n 344,757) participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition were followed for a median of 5.0 years. Linear and logistic regression were used to investigate the associations between fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight. Among women, the annual weight change was 5.70 (95 % CI 4.35, 7.06), 2.23 (95 % CI 0.16, 4.31) and 11.12 (95 % CI 8.17, 14.08) g/10 g higher total, lean and fatty fish consumption per d, respectively. The OR of becoming overweight in 5 years among women who were normal weight at enrolment was 1.02 (95 % CI 1.01, 1.02), 1.01 (95 % CI 1.00, 1.02) and 1.02 (95 % CI 1.01, 1.04) g/10 g higher total, lean and fatty consumption per d, respectively. Among men, fish consumption was not statistically significantly associated with weight change. Adjustment for potential over- or underestimation of fish consumption did not systematically change the observed associations, but the 95 % CI became wider. The results in subgroups from analyses stratified by age or BMI at enrolment were not systematically different. In conclusion, the present study suggests that fish consumption has no appreciable association with body-weight gain.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / adverse effects
  • Dietary Fats / analysis
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Overweight / epidemiology*
  • Overweight / etiology
  • Overweight / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Seafood* / adverse effects
  • Seafood* / analysis
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Weight Gain*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats