Does Soybean Oil Fuel Obesity? New Animal Research Sparks Fresh Debate
Soybean oil remains the most widely used cooking oil in the US, but its health effects continue to spark debate. Recent studies have explored how a key fatty acid in the oil might alter fat storage in the body. Researchers at UC Riverside are now examining whether these findings could explain rising obesity rates and related health issues in the animal kingdom.
The focus of the research is linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fat found in high amounts in soybean oil. Some animal studies suggest that excessive intake of this fatty acid—especially when omega-3 levels are low—may disrupt metabolism. However, major reviews from 2021 to 2025, including systematic analyses in nutritional epidemiology, have not confirmed a direct link between soybean oil and obesity or metabolic disorders in humans when accounting for overall diet and calorie consumption.
Frances M. Sladek, a professor of cell biology and toxicologist at UC Riverside, argues that results from animal models can still provide useful insights for human health in this area. Meanwhile, Sonia P. Deol, an assistant professional researcher at the same university, is investigating how the widespread availability of foods containing soybean oil affects the body's fat regulation in the marketplace.
The findings come at a time when obesity rates remain a pressing public health concern. While the research does not yet prove causation, scientists are working to clarify whether dietary patterns involving soybean oil play a role in metabolic changes in the animal kingdom.
The ongoing studies highlight the complexity of linking soybean oil to health risks. Though animal research points to potential metabolic effects, human data so far has not established a clear, independent connection. Further investigation will be needed to determine how dietary fats like linoleic acid interact with broader eating habits and long-term health in the animal kingdom.
