Since 2008, about one-third of U.S. adults and almost one-fifth of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 have been classified as obese—both staggering and shocking statistics. But what if working out and watching what you eat isn’t paying off? Is there anything else causing obesity out there besides overeating and genetics? As it turns out, there may be more. Harmful chemicals, called obesogens, are sneaking into our homes and diets… and ultimately changing the way our bodies control weight.
Obesogens are either natural or man-made chemicals that can alter the way one’s body controls weight, especially during fetal and early development. They do this by causing an increase in the number of fat cells, a decrease in calories burned, a resistance to insulin in the liver, and a release of less leptin (responsible for telling your body you are full) from fat cells. Luckily, the federal government has taken obesogens head on, funding $20 million for further studies on this topic. But as we wait for updates and new findings, there’s no hurt in starting to avoid obesogens today.
To help you and your family on the path towards a healthier body and environment: Here is a list of "Obesogens to Avoid"
Watch your packaging; Obesogens have been found in some microwave popcorn bags and in the lining of some canned food. Look for shrink wrap and plastic bags that are labelled BPA Free.
Pesticides: The chemicals found in pesticides used for farming are often linked to obesity and diabetes. To reduce your intake of pesticides, start choosing organic foods! Studies have shown that after just 5 days of eating organic, you can cleanse your body of almost all pesticide residues.
Atrazine Faucet water has been found carrying pesticides from the soil surrounding water sources. Atrazine is the main pesticide found in tap water and has been found to slow thyroid hormone metabolism. Install a granular activated carbon filter on your faucet to filter out that unnecessary weight gain.
High fructose corn syrup: High fructose corn syrup can cause your liver to resist insulin and lessens the amount of leptin released from your fat cells to alert you that you’re full.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PCBs): PCBs work through estrogen receptor pathways and affect the liver—not to mention PCBs have been shown to cause cancer. Their release into the environment has caused them to bioaccumulate in fish and other animals, so eating lower on the food chain a bit more in your diet can protect you from harmful levels of exposure. Why not try the growing trend of Meatless Mondays? This would be a great start!
Soy: Despite its high levels of protein and other healthy attributes, soy promotes fat-cell growth because of its plant-based estrogenic properties. High doses of this legume and its form of drink cause weight gain. Babies and children are mostly affected, so it’s best to keep soy away from young children and to offer breast milk instead.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): If you use non-stick pans and bake ware (PTFE coated), PFOA may be leaching into your foods. Also found in microwaveable popcorn bags, PFOA can have a negative impact on your thyroid gland. Stainless steel and/or cast iron pans are great alternatives to PTFE-coated pans. Look for products that are PFOA-free (perfluorooctanoic acid) and try not to microwave plastic.
Phthalates: Phthalates, hormone-disrupting chemicals, are common in personal-care products and synthetically fragranced products. Besides being linked to obesity, high levels of phthalates can affect the growth of children. Skin absorbs everything you put on it.
Take a quick look at the ingredients label on your favorite personal care products before using them on your skin. Look for “fragrance” or “parfum” and toss them if you find those listed... avoid anything that contains parabens and phthalates. Air fresheners and scented candles are culprits too, so use natural (beeswax candles) instead of synthetic fragrance as a safer alternative.
Organotins: Harmful organotins can be found in vinyl (some flooring, purses, and shower curtains) and PVC plastics (pipes). According to a recent study, mice that were exposed to organotin tributyltin bore mice that were predisposed to weight problems. That said, try to avoid this obesogen by paying attention to what is in your household and cleaning your home on a regular basis (PVC can hang around household dust!).
Nicotene: Babies born to mothers who smoke throughout pregnancy face an increased risk of obesity during their developmental years. Second-hand smoke is just as important to avoid, and from third-hand-smoke, the toxins that linger in a cigarette after it has been put out still pose health risks, especially to babies and young children. “There are no safe levels of this stuff,” says Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, at the Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
References and Links:
Rodale, liveesp.com, Environmental Protection Agency and David Suzuki Foundation, Wikipedia, obesogens, Dr. Oz, Understanding Obesogens, Jan 2012.
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