The research study is an intervention and feasibility crossover design pilot study designed to assess if consuming 3 study foods made with either soybean oil or palm oil per day for 4 weeks can alter whole blood, plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids and body weight in overweight/obese adults. Additionally, the study will assess the adherence to consuming 3 study foods per day for 4 weeks and to assess if participant remain unaware of (or masked to) which study food group (soybean oil vs palm oil) they are consuming.

The objectives of the study include

• To determine changes in whole blood, plasma and erythrocyte linoleic acid after 4 weeks of consuming 3 foods products made soybean oil and determine changes in plasma and erythrocyte oleic acid and palmitic acid after 4 weeks of consuming 3 food products per day made with palm oil in overweight/obese adults
• To determine changes in body weight in overweight/obese adults during four weeks of consuming 3 food products per day made with soybean oil and during four weeks of consuming 3 food products per day made with palm oil
• To determine if there is evidence of unmasking of the two food product groups (soybean oil or palm oil) during the study in participants and in study coordinators
• To determine adherence of consuming 3 food products per day made with either soybean or palm oil for 4 weeks in overweight/obese adults

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 25-80 years old
• Nonsmokers
• BMI 25-55 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or previous diagnosis of heart, kidney, and some liver diseases
• Current or previous diagnosis some circulatory diseases and some autoimmune diseases
• Treatment of current cancer diagnosis or current cancer diagnosis
• Current or previous diagnosis of diabetes
• Gastrointestinal diseases or disorders (including pancreatic) that influence nutrient digestion and absorption or gastric bypass surgery
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Inability to access veins for venipuncture
• Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism diagnosis
• Food Allergy or intolerances
• Any dietary restriction where consumption of the study foods or any ingredient would be contraindicated
• Use of medications where consuming the study foods would be contraindicated
• Use of supplements or medications for weight loss or following a weight loss program
• Use of supplements high in linoleic acid in the past 4 weeks prior to enrolling
• Pregnancy and lactation