How Soybean Oil–Derived Molecules May Drive Weight Gain

New findings suggest that soybean oil may contribute to obesity by generating fat-derived molecules that disrupt how the body processes dietary fats. In experiments at the University of California, Riverside, most mice fed a soybean-oil-rich, high-fat diet gained significant weight, while genetically modified mice with an altered liver protein did not. This modified form of HNF4α affects hundreds of genes tied to fat metabolism and changes how the body handles linoleic acid, a major component of soybean oil.

Researchers discovered that linoleic acid is converted into oxylipins—compounds linked to inflammation and fat buildup. Normal mice produced higher levels of oxylipins and accumulated more fat, whereas engineered mice generated fewer oxylipins and maintained healthier livers and mitochondria.

Although transgenic mice on low-fat diets still had elevated oxylipins, they did not gain weight, suggesting additional metabolic factors are required. The study highlights how rising soybean oil intake may influence obesity risk through complex genetic and biochemical interactions.

01-12-2025