A study in overweight Eskimos who still consumed about 20 times the amount of DHA as the junk food Western diet of most Americans found that even though they were similarly overweight they had much fewer signs indicating metabolic disease and risk for cardiovascular problems.  The best way to interpret this study is that if you are overweight you should load up on DHA while you get headed in the right direction, as doing so can help hold off some of the otherwise inevitable health challenges you may face.

It is possible to be overweight and not develop serious health problems.  This means that even though the number of your fat cells is increasing, they are still metabolically fit enough to cope with the extreme stress of the situation.  DHA is known to activate genes in white adipose tissue that help it function better, while reducing inflammation in stored fat.  The researchers found that the overweight Eskimos with the highest levels of DHA had lower inflammation (based on CRP) and lower leptin levels (meaning less metabolic flu and leptin resistance).

This study is no excuse to remain overweight.  It is a life-line being thrown to a flailing swimmer.

Posted by Byron J Richards at 04:58 PM.

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