Effect of Omega-3 PUFA as Supplementation with Lifestyle Modification on Depression and Anxiety in Overweight Women

Background: Anxiety, stress and depression are still one of the common chronic diseases among Iranian population especially among women in the age of 15-29 years. Associations between depressed mood and lifestyle are well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation with lifestyle modification on depression and anxiety in overweight women. Methods: 38 women aged between 20-45 years; BMI~25-30; having sedentary lifestyle without any known metabolic, cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases or taking any medication which affect heart rate, blood pressure or exercise capacity were included. Patients randomly divided into two experimental groups. Group 1 received omega-3 capsules + aerobic exercise and took healthy nutrition class. Group 2 received placebo capsules + aerobic exercise and took healthy nutrition class. All of the subjects were asked to take one capsule/day, for 8 weeks. The depression level was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: There were no significant differences between anxiety and educational level, depression and educational level in overweight women at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks of the study. In addition, no significant correlation was found between changes observed on anxiety and depression extent and different occupations among volunteer women at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks of the study. According to the data, omega-3 capsules significantly decreased anxiety and depression compared to control group (P=0.032). Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may have beneficial effects on anxiety and depression in overweight women that is not related to lifestyle modification. Further randomized controlled trials with large sample size are needed to confirm these results.