In this study, we investigated the hypolipidemic action of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and its mechanism. Three types of 5% fat diets (stearic acid, linoleic acid, and EPA) were prepared in our laboratory. Rats that weighed 170-190 g were fed one of these diets for 20 weeks at an equivalent calorie value (groups S, L, and E). Weight gain occurred in the following order: group E < group S < group L. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids were significantly lower in group E than in the other groups. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue showed that the level of C18:1 was significantly higher in group S, that of C18:2 was significantly higher in group L, and that of C16:0 was significantly higher in group E than in the other groups. These results indicated that EPA had a hypolipidemic action, higher ketogenicity, and lower lipogenicity than the other fatty acids. Inclusion of EPA in the diet of hyperlipidemic subjects may thus help in the primary prevention of hyperlipidemia and, in turn, morbid obesity.