Recent studies indicate that the fats found in olive oil may contribute to weight gain more significantly than fats from other sources.

A recent report revealed that oleic acid, the primary fatty component in olive oil, can stimulate the formation of new fat cells.

Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated fat, often referred to as omega-9. While olive oil is the main source of oleic acid, this fatty acid is also present in other oils, such as canola and sunflower oil.

“You can think of fat cells as the army,” stated the study’s co-author, Dr. Michael Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Oklahoma. “Dried oleic acid initially boosts the number of ‘fat cell soldiers’ in the army, enhancing the capacity to store surplus dietary nutrients.”

“If excess nutrients surpass the number of fat cells over time, it can lead to obesity, and if left unaddressed, may result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes.”

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and New York conducted a study where mice were fed a variety of high-fat diets that included coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, and soy oils.

They found that elevated levels of oleic acid influenced the activity of two proteins, AKT2 and LXR, leading to an accelerated growth of progenitor cells that develop into new adipocytes. This effect was not observed with other types of fats.

Nevertheless, Dr. Rudolph emphasized that completely eliminating olive oil is not the answer.

“The key takeaway is moderation and diversifying fat sources,” he advised. “While a balanced intake of oleic acid can be beneficial, excessive and prolonged consumption may pose risks. For individuals at risk for heart disease, high oleic acid levels could be unfavorable.”

In moderation, oleic acid is linked with numerous health benefits. Previous studies have shown that olive oil consumption is associated with longer lifespans, healthy aging, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of obesity and heart disease.

It’s important to note that since this study was conducted exclusively on mice, its findings may not directly apply to humans.

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