Grant: Operating Grant

Obesity is currently a major public health hazard in most industrialized countries, including Canada. Inflammation appears to be a key component of the obesity-related risk of heart attacks, being perhaps even more important than blood cholesterol. Although research suggests that the numerous health problems associated with obesity including heart attacks have a nutrition basis, there is still an urgent need for further research in this area. Indeed, studies suggest that change in various aspects of lifestyle has been shown to have a significant impact on health outcomes. Fish oils are generally known to reduce the risk of heart attacks but it is unknown if this occurs through anti-inflammatory effects. It is also not known if the inflammation status of obese men and women at risk of heart attacks is differentially modified by different fish oil supplementations. The primary objective of this 4-year research project is to investigate the impact of different fish oils on inflammation in individuals at risk of heart attacks and to examine whether men and women respond differently to various fish oils. This novel research will provide insightful information on how and which fish oils work best to reduce the risk of heart attack associated with obesity and its underlying inflammation state. Results from this study may help tailor more specific recommendations regarding the use of fish oils as part of a heart healthy diet.