A:  Soy foods might help you lose weight, but eating too much could make you fat. Genistein is an estrogen-like chemical found in legumes and foods such as soya and tofu. Estrogens are very important for fat regulation, particularly in women. A research review from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in Holland concluded that soy Genistein decreases food intake, bodyweight and fat, and might be an effective weight-loss aid. However, high intake of genistein promotes fat storage, so you can get too much of a good thing. We need more information before we can recommend genistein as an effective weight loss supplement.