Fat Tissue and Blood Levels of Inflammation-Resolving Fats Differ in People with Obesity
This systematic review pooled 27 studies (both human and animal) examining specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) — molecules derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help the body wind down inflammation — in relation to body weight and adiposity.
The most consistent pattern appeared in adipose tissue and blood: people and animals with overweight or obesity tended to have lower levels of these pro-resolving mediators and their precursor fats compared to leaner counterparts. In humans, circulating Resolvin E1 (derived from EPA) was repeatedly found to be lower in people with more body fat, showing an inverse relationship with adiposity across several study groups.
Other mediators, such as Lipoxin A4 and precursor fats 15-HETE and 18-HEPE, showed inconsistent results across studies — sometimes higher, sometimes lower in people with excess weight. Findings in liver and brain tissue were sparse and too varied to draw clear conclusions.
What this means for you
This research suggests that carrying excess body fat is linked to lower levels of certain fatty-acid-derived compounds involved in resolving inflammation, particularly in fat tissue and blood. It does not test whether taking omega-3 supplements changes these levels or affects weight, but it highlights an area of active research into how fatty acid metabolism relates to body composition.
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Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids · 2026-07-25 · DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2026.102763
Read the original source ↗This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.