Soybean oil consumption may contribute to obesity, research suggests

A UC Riverside study links soybean oil, a common cooking oil, to obesity in mice by identifying specific metabolic pathways. Researchers found a liver protein variation influences how the body processes linoleic acid in soybean oil, leading to weight gain. This variation exists in humans and may explain individual differences in weight gain. Soybean oil is prevalent in processed foods, and excessive consumption of linoleic acid may contribute to inflammation and fat accumulation, potentially fueling chronic metabolic conditions.