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Obesogenics make you fat, but they are not food

Edited and resized Graphic Node image is available on Unsplash

Obesogenics, a term created by researcher Bruce Blumberg of the University of California, are chemical products found in food packaging, in polytetrafluoroethylene in non-stick pans, in beauty products and soaps, among others, that can contribute to obesity in adults and children.

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Animal studies indicate that the exposure of fetuses and offspring to some of these compounds can cause problems during the development of the endocrine system, favoring the development of adipose tissue cells.

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In a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers describe the presence of obesogenics in the bodies of pregnant women, who can pass these chemicals to their children. This would favor the development of obesity.

Exposure of adults to obesogenics causes the same problem, but on a smaller scale. Young children and fetuses are still in the developmental stages of the body, which means that any problem during this process affects them throughout their lives. Adults, with their bodies already developed, even though they are not free, are less susceptible to these changes.

Below we list the main suspects of being possible obesogenics:

• Pesticides: studies already demonstrate a direct relationship between childhood obesity and organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides. In addition to the weight problem, organophosphates are linked to leukemia in children;
• Bisphenol A: This compound is used in hard plastics such as cutting boards, CDs, DVDs, toothbrushes, baby bottles and even thermosensitive papers such as faxes and even credit card receipts. It favors the development of fat cells and insulin resistance.
• Phthalates: are used in two ways. The first is to make plastic products like toys, plastic bottles, vinyl and floors more malleable. The second is as a solvent and odor preservative in cosmetic products such as perfume. Studies link the compound to the development of obesity and diabetes;
• Polytetrafluoroethylene: the material used to guarantee the non-stickiness of pans is, according to researchers, not only responsible for the development of obesity in babies, but also for infections and asthma;
• Polychlorinated biphenyl: in addition to being a persistent organic pollutant - POP, PCB, used as a flame retardant, can be present in contaminated foods such as meat, fish and dairy products and, according to researchers, is also associated with obesity. They contaminate animals through the bioaccumulation process. PCBs that are not properly disposed of reach rivers and lakes, where they contaminate fish and microorganisms. When feeding on these animals, or drinking water from these rivers and lakes, larger animals, like humans themselves, also become contaminated. Scholars believe that food is the main form of human exposure to this pollutant;
• Soy: This is a curious example, since soy and its by-products are low in fat and are good for your health. But studies show that isoflavones, such as daidzein and genistein, present in grain and normally used in hormone replenishers, are linked to the development of obesity in children and babies.

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avoiding the risks

The idea is to avoid as much as possible products that contain these types of chemical compounds. To avoid pesticides, always prefer to eat organic fruits and vegetables.

You also don't have to throw away your CD and DVD collections. Start investing in digital media to replace physical media. Slowly exchange plastic items that have equivalents made with another type of material. A good start is to change your plastic cutting board for a wooden one, as well as avoid as much as possible contact with various types of heat-sensitive paper, such as receipts and bank statements, fax papers and credit card receipts.

Information is very important. Read the packaging of children's toys and buy only products certified by Inmetro. Find out if the floor applied in your residence has phthalates in its composition. To find out which cosmetics have phthalates or any other toxic chemical compound, read our special article on how to access the composition of this type of product.

Don't despair if your pans are lined with polytetrafluoroethylene. But when you notice that the non-stick surface is scratched or coming loose, replace it as soon as possible and replace it, opting for products free of this type of substance.

To avoid PCB contamination that may be present in meat, fish and dairy products, include more organic fruits and vegetables in your diet.

As the isoflavones present in soy seem to affect children more, avoid products derived from the bean both during pregnancy and during the feeding of babies and consult a nutritionist or pediatrician about alternatives.

So, remember: before complaining about your doctor, nutritionist or saying you can't lose weight at all, think about obesogenics and the problems they cause. Of course, don't overdo it and put all the blame on these substances either, but know that they can be in your body and be an extra barrier for those who want to lose weight.