Obesogens may be making us fat

According to research presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology 2018, everyday products carrying environmental chemicals may be causing obesity. 

Chemicals that interfere with how our bodies store fat and process fat are referred to as obesogens.  Obesogens reprogram how cells work, they promote fat accumulation by increasing the number and size of fat cells, increasing appetite and make it more difficult to lose fat by changing our ability to burn calories. 

Dr Ana Catarina Sousa reviewed existing and new epidemiological studies, “Obesogens can be found almost everywhere and our diet is a main source of exposure, as some pesticides and artificial sweeteners are obesogens, equally they are present in plastics and home products, so completely reducing exposure is extremely difficult but to significantly reduce it is not only feasible but also very simple.”  

Based on the findings of the review the researchers suggest the following recommendations to help to reduce obesogen exposure: 

Choose fresh produce over processed foods  

Buy fruit and vegetables produced with less pesticides including certified organic  

Reduce the use of plastic  

Remove shoes when entering the home to avoid bringing in contaminants on the soles of shoes

Vacuming and dusting often with a damp cloth

Using HEPA particulate filters in the home

Avoid using products that contain chemicals