TY  - RPRT
        AU  - Ransom, Tyler
        TI  - Are Vegetable Seed Oils Fueling the Obesity Epidemic?
        PY  - 2024/Oct/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 17390
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/publications/dp17390
        AB  - I argue that increased consumption of vegetable seed oils high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats has driven obesity in the United States, a link overlooked in the economics literature. Obesity rates have closely tracked the level of seed oils in the food supply since 1960, while diverging from calorie intake and exercise trends post-2000. I present evidence from biochemistry supporting this hypothesis, demonstrating how seed oils disrupt metabolism, fat storage, and other biochemical processes. I document supporting evidence of these mechanisms in economics research and population health trends. I then develop a conceptual theory of imperfect information to explain consumer overconsumption of these oils, considering the interactions among food and drug companies, scientists, government regulators, and medical providers in shaping dietary information and the overall food supply. Finally, I discuss policy implications, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach.
        KW  - obesity
KW  - vegetable oils
KW  - seed oils
KW  - food policy
KW  - nutritional biochemistry
KW  - polyunsaturated fatty acids
KW  - political economy
        ER  -