# Higher DHA Levels Tied to Less Depression in People With Belly Fat

*Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Obesity-Comorbid Depression in US Adults: An Integrated Epidemiology and Network Pharmacology Study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: The British journal of nutrition
- **Sample Size**: 4,423 US adults from national health surveys
- **Authors**: Gao GX, Lou EY, Chen Y, Zhang HR, Lan H, Jin JG, Chen YH, Zailani H, Iqbal AZ, Chen W, Jiang QX, Li J, Su KP, Yang B
- **Published**: 2026-08-04
- **Topics**: omega-3, depression, obesity
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114526108198
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42548312/

## Summary

Obesity and depression often travel together, and omega-3 fats may be part of that link. In over 4,400 US adults, those with more DHA in their blood were less likely to have belly fat and depression together. EPA, the other main fish oil fat, showed no clear connection. This is a snapshot in time, so it can't prove DHA caused the difference.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests DHA levels specifically, more than EPA, may relate to mood in people with obesity.

---

_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/higher-dha-levels-tied-to-less-depression-in-people-with-belly-fat · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-08-04_