Globally, 9.3% of adults (463 million people) live with diabetes, and about 800 million people struggle with obesity. These twin health challenges continue to rise at concerning rates. Now, new scientific evidence suggests that incorporating olive oil into the diet may support both weight management and diabetes prevention.
A research team at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in the United States has shared encouraging findings. For the first time, they have identified why olive oil may be an affordable and effective natural option for supporting a healthy weight and reducing the risk of diabetes. The scientists discovered that oleuropein, a natural compound in olive oil, stimulates the body’s production of insulin, the hormone that regulates metabolism and blood sugar levels.
Global Obesity and Diabetes Trends
According to 2017 data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the countries with the highest rates of overweight or obese populations are the United States, Chile, and Mexico, each with over 70%. At the other end of the spectrum, South Korea and Japan report the lowest rates.
The global diabetes situation is equally concerning. Today, 463 million adults aged 20-79 live with diabetes, and that’s 9.3% of the adult population. Worryingly, 1.1 million children under 20 are also affected by type 1 diabetes.
In India, both obesity and diabetes are rising: 24% of women and 23% of men are classified as obese , while 10.5% of adults live with diabetes. These figures highlight the urgent need for accessible, preventive solutions.
What the Study Found
“Our work provides new mechanistic insights into the long-standing question of why olive products can be anti-diabetic,” explains Dr. Bin Xu, assistant professor at Virginia Tech. “We believe it will encourage the public to pay more attention to olive products in light of the current diabetes epidemic.”
The study, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Biochemistry, revealed that oleuropein, a type of phenolic, bitter compound found in olives:
- Assists in insulin secretion – helps the body turn sugar into energy more efficiently.
- Supports healthy metabolism – insulin acts as a signalling molecule to regulate metabolic processes.
- Reduces fat storage – makes it harder for the body to store fat, helping prevent weight gain.
- Protects against harmful molecules – inhibits cytotoxicity caused by amylin, which is linked to type 2 diabetes.
In short, oleuropein helps the body manage sugar more effectively, reduces the risk of harmful buildup, and makes it harder to gain weight.
Tradition and Health: The Science of Olive Oil
Olive oil has, of course, been recognised for centuries as a key dietary factor in overall health and longevity. Modern science is now explaining the exact biochemical reasons why it supports health. For those at risk of diabetes or obesity, incorporating olive oil into daily meals may help reduce serious health risks.
Other health benefits of olive oil include:
- Most of its fats are monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
- Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits may help prevent plaque from building up in arteries.
- Its high antioxidant content may protect the body from harmful compounds linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
- Many people use olive oil for hair and skin to nourish and moisturise, keeping skin soft and radiant and hair strong and shiny.
“We have always known that olive oil offers many health and nutritional benefits,” says Anna Cane, president of the Filiera Olivicolo Olearia Italiana (FOOI). “But to have a study of this calibre identify the exact active compound in olive oil that can help prevent both diabetes and weight gain is knowledge we hope will help our customers lead healthier lives.”
Research shows that olive oil’s natural compounds can help support healthy metabolism, weight management, and diabetes prevention. Including olive oil in your meals is an easy way to promote overall health.