The Frequency of Fish-Eating Could Negatively Associate with Visceral Adiposity in Those Who Eat Moderately

Visceral fat accumulation is regarded as one of the major phenotypes of metabolic syndrome. There have not been enough data on the relationship between the fish-eating habit and visceral adiposity. A total of 94 male participants received abdominal CT for the measurement of the visceral fat area (VFA), serum sampling for the fatty acid composition and questionnaires about their life-style. We divided the participants into two groups: whether they ate their fill (group F, n=70) or they ate in moderation (group M, n=24). Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that usual alcohol consumption and lower daily physical activity in group F, and infrequent fish-eating and frequent fat-rich deserts in group M were the significant positive correlates with the VFA. The serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio showed significant correlation with the frequency of fish-eating in both groups. Interestingly, in group M, the serum EPA/AA ratio negatively correlated with the VFA, while it failed in group F. In conclusion, the present data suggest that the fish-eating habit might negatively associate with visceral fat accumulation only in those who are moderate in eating in the general population.