
For decades the prevailing thought about overweight and obesity was that it was due to too much food, and not enough exercise – the old calories in/calories out model.
But we now know that obesity is far more complicated than that!
In fact, there’s more and more research suggesting that exposure to certain environmental chemicals may be part of the rising rates of obesity across the world.
There’s an entire class of chemicals referred to as “obesogens” – these are substances that may promote obesity by disrupting the body’s normal regulation of fat metabolism, appetite, or energy balance.
Unfortunately, many obesogenic chemicals are ones that we are exposed to every day! While we can’t avoid exposure to all obesogenic chemicals, we can work to minimize them.
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly found in plastics, personal care products, food packaging, and scented products like household cleaners, laundry products, and home fragrances. Studies have linked exposure to phthalates with increased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and risk of obesity.
- Avoid all fragranced items (candles, laundry, perfume, cleaning, personal care)
- Minimize the use of soft plastics, especially PVC plastics (raincoats, faux-leather, etc)
2. BPA
BPA is used in the production of clear, hard plastics and the epoxy resins found in food and beverage containers, thermal paper receipts, and dental sealants. Research suggests that BPA exposure may disrupt hormone regulation and metabolism, leading to weight gain and obesity.
- Say “no thank you!” to cash register receipts
- Minimize consumption of canned foods
- Minimize use of clear, hard plastics in contact with food
3. Pesticides
Organophosphate pesticides are used in conventional agriculture to control pests. Over 1 billion pounds are applied annually in the US, the majority of which are organophosphates. Some studies have suggested that exposure to these pesticides may be associated with weight gain and obesity, particularly among children.
- Prioritize organic food consumption
- Avoid the use of herbicides at home, even in non-food crop areas
References:
1. Buckley JP, et al. (2016). “Association of Urinary Phthalate Metabolite Concentrations with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES Data, 1999-2002.” Environmental Health, 15, 52.
2. Wu W, Li M, Liu A, Wu C, Li D, Deng Q, Zhang B, Du J, Gao X, Hong Y. Bisphenol A and the Risk of Obesity a Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of the Epidemiological Evidence. Dose Response. 2020 Apr 9;18(2):1559325820916949.
3. Czajka, M., Matysiak-Kucharek, M., Jodłowska-Jędrych, B., Sawicki, K., Fal, B., Drop, B., … Lucyna Kapka-Skrzypczak. (2019). Organophosphorus pesticides can influence the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes with concomitant metabolic changes. Environmental Research, 178, 108685–108685.