According to the International Journal of Obesity, taking high doses of fish oil can speed up weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, also decrease insulin and help your body reduce fat storage.

Studies

The Journal of Nutrition found that fish oil can ease insulin production, which triggers your body to store fat. Another study by the University of Georgia discovered that fish oil containing DHA halts pre-fat cells from changing into fat cells. Similarly, a University of South Australia study found that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help obese people to lose excess weight.

Dosage

Fish oil can be taken in liquid form or in caplet form. Take 2 tbsp. of fish oil a day, according to the labels on the back of most fish oil brands. Take supplement fish oil caplets one to three times a day, according to Drugstore.com.

Side Effects

Fish oil is generally safe to take, but like any supplement it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, upset stomach, burping, heartburn, indigestion, dry skin, headaches, bone pain and may even cause mercury toxicity from pollutants in the ocean.

Other Benefits

Fish oil may also help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and depression, and improve conditions of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and ADHD, according to The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Celebrity Endorsements

David Beckham and Elle MacPherson both swear that fish oil helps them stay slim and keep their weight down.

Source:

The International Journal of Obesity: Randomized Trial of Weight-loss-diets for Young Adults Varying in Fish and Fish Oil Content

Myomancy: Fish oil side effects

NewsMax.com:

More Information:

BellaOnline: Fish Oil and Weight Loss Research

The Journal of Nutrition: Dietary Fish Oil