Yes, soybeans can contribute to weight gain under certain circumstances due to their calorie content.
Soy foods are considered moderately high in calories. Consuming more calories than your body uses leads to weight gain. Therefore, including soy in your diet adds calories, which can help you gain weight if consumed in amounts that contribute to a caloric surplus.
For instance, according to information from January 5, 2020, two cups of soy nuggets or granules provide approximately 360 calories. Incorporating calorie-dense foods like soy products into your meals without adjusting overall intake can increase your total daily calorie count, potentially leading to weight gain over time.
How Soybeans Relate to Weight
- Calorie Contribution: As noted, soy foods add calories to your diet. Weight gain is fundamentally about consuming more calories than you burn.
- Potential for Weight Gain: Because of their calorie content, soy foods can be used in diets aimed at increasing weight, particularly when calorie goals are higher.
- Role in Weight Management: Interestingly, while they can contribute to weight gain, soy foods can also be integrated into restricted-calorie diets for weight loss, depending on portion size and overall dietary planning. Their protein and fiber content can help with satiety, which is beneficial in calorie control.
In summary, whether soybeans add weight depends on how they fit into your total daily calorie intake. If they lead you to consume more calories than you burn, they can contribute to weight gain.
