Reza Hakkak

Reza Hakkak is Professor and Chair of Dietetics and Nutrition at UAMS, with joint appointment in Pediatrics. His research investigates dietary impacts on cancer development, particularly the relationships between soy protein, obesity, and liver steatosis.

Pioneering studies demonstrated how specific proteins inhibit breast/colon cancer and revealed obesity's role in promoting mammary tumors. Current USDA-funded research examines gut microbiota's mediation of soy effects on fatty liver disease. Hakkak founded the Journal of Obesity and Chronic Diseases and serves on multiple editorial boards.

• Published 70+ articles on nutritional oncology and obesity
• Key findings on soy isoflavones' dual role in cancer prevention/promotion
• First to establish obesity-breast cancer link in animal models