What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the evolutionary shift in dietary fatty acid composition and evaluate the mechanisms by which an elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratio increases obesity risk.

March 2, 2016NutrientsOpen Access

An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity

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ASArtemis P. SimopoulosBoston University

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Implication

Evidence review demonstrates elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratios drive weight gain in human populations, suggesting balanced fatty acid intake prevents obesity.

Key Points

To review the evolutionary shift in dietary fatty acid composition and evaluate the mechanisms by which an elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratio increases obesity risk.
Synthesized evolutionary and dietary intake trends assessing changes in total fat, saturated fat, and fatty acid ratios over the past three decades.
Analyzed epidemiological and prospective cohort studies measuring omega-6 and omega-3 concentrations in red blood cell membrane phospholipids relative to obesity risk.
Reviewed experimental and human molecular pathways involving adipogenesis, adipose tissue browning, systemic inflammation, and the endocannabinoid system.
Modern Western diets shifted the evolutionary omega-6/omega-3 ratio from 1:1 to 20:1 or greater, paralleling substantial rises in overweight and obesity rates.
Higher omega-6 levels and omega-6/omega-3 ratios in red blood cell membrane phospholipids correlate with increased obesity risk, whereas higher omega-3 levels confer a protective effect.
Mechanisms driving adiposity include increased systemic inflammation, impaired adipose browning, and cannabinoid system hyperactivity, which are counteracted by eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intake.

Cite This Study

Artemis P. Simopoulos (2016) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d6df39fca0359822aa8b9a https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8030128

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Implication

Evidence review demonstrates elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratios drive weight gain in human populations, suggesting balanced fatty acid intake prevents obesity.

An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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