Fatty Acid Patterns and Changes in Body Measurements

Sample size: 1100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dahm Christina Catherine, Gorst-Rasmussen Anders, Jakobsen Marianne Uhre, Schmidt Erik Berg, Tjønneland Anne, Sørensen Thorkild I. A., Overvad Kim

Primary Institution: Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark

Hypothesis

We explored associations between global patterns in adipose tissue fatty acids and changes in anthropometry.

Conclusion

Adipose tissue fatty acid patterns with high levels of TFA may be linked to weight gain, but patterns with high n-3 LC-PUFA did not appear to be linked to weight loss.

Supporting Evidence

Fatty acid patterns with high levels of TFA were positively associated with changes in weight and waist circumference.
Patterns with high levels of n-6 LC-PUFA were negatively associated with changes in weight in men and positively in women.
Associations with patterns with high levels of n-3 LC-PUFA depended on the context of the rest of the fatty acid pattern.

Takeaway

Eating certain types of fats can change how much you weigh. Some fats can make you gain weight, while others don't seem to help you lose weight.

Methodology

The study analyzed fatty acid species from adipose tissue biopsies of 1100 participants using principal component analysis and multiple linear regression.