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Lovaza Fish Oil for Weight Loss

Lovaza is a brand of prescription fish oil used to reduce very high triglycerides (fat) in the blood and increase the amount of essential fatty acids in the blood. Lovaza differs from other fish oils in that it undergoes a purification process to remove mercury and other toxins naturally that naturally occur. Lovaza, combined with diet and exercise, has been proven to lower high triglyceride levels, which can help you reach overall health goals. However, just taking a prescribed amount of Lovaza will probably not cause you to lose weight, as it is not intended as a weight loss supplement.

  1. How it Works

    • Lovaza works by lowering the level of triglycerides in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are a type of fat that is stored after your body uses the rest of the calories you eat for energy. Everyone has triglycerides, but some people have too many. A variety of health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, can lead to a very high level of triglycerides. Lovaza comes in capsule form, and is taken daily in either single or double doses. After absorption by the body, Lovaza releases two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that work by decreasing the liver's production of this fat. Combined with diet and exercise, taking Lovaza as prescribed may help aid issues related to weight, but is not intended as a weight loss agent. During the Lovaza studies, people who combined taking Lovaza with diet and exercise lowered their triglyceride levels by 44.9 percent.

    Advantages

    • Although many brands of fish oil and fatty acid supplements are available over the counter, Lovaza is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Being FDA approved means that Lovaza has gone through a significant amount of testing to prove effectiveness and safety. Also, this supplement is generally tolerated well among users, and has been purified to remove toxins commonly found in other fish oil supplements.

    Disadvantages

    • Lovaza is indicated for users who have a very high level of triglycerides only. Fish oil is available over the counter, but this purified formula is only available with a prescription, which may prove difficult for those without health or prescription insurance to obtain. The best strategy is to talk with your doctor about your diet, exercise and weight loss plan. Then talk to him about Lovaza to determine if it can help improve your overall health. Again, Lovaza is approved by the FDA to treat very high triglycerides but is not approved as a weight loss pill.

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