Obesogens-what are they, and how they're driving the current obesity epidemic

Nathan

Nathan

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High Desert- Calif.
Obesogens are certain chemical compounds that are hypothesised to disrupt normal development and balance of lipid metabolism, which in some cases, can lead to obesity. Obesogens may be functionally defined as chemicals that inappropriately alter lipid homeostasis and fat storage, change metabolic setpoints, disrupt energy balance or modify the regulation of appetite and satiety to promote fat accumulation and obesity.

There are many different proposed mechanisms through which obesogens can interfere with the body's adipose tissue biology. These mechanisms include alterations in the action of metabolic sensors; dysregulation of sex steroid synthesis, action or breakdown; changes in the central integration of energy balance including the regulation of appetite and satiety; and reprogramming of metabolic setpoints. Some of these proposed pathways include inappropriate modulation of nuclear receptor function which therefore allows the compounds to be classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals that act to mimic hormones in the body, altering the normal homeostasis maintained by the endocrine system.

Obesogens have been detected in the body both as a result of intentional administration of obesogenic chemicals in the form of pharmaceutical drugs such as diethylstilbestrol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and thiazolidinedione and as a result of unintentional exposure to environmental obesogens such as tributyltin, bisphenol A, diethylhexylphthalate, and perfluorooctanoate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesogen
 

Types of Obesogens​

Scientists have identified quite a few chemicals that may be obesogens, but the research is not yet conclusive. Some of the substances are already prohibited because of health concerns. Others are commonly used in manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer goods.

Phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are found in food products, including soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas.

Organotins. These chemicals are fungicides. They are used in treating wood for building materials.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are byproducts caused by the burning of some types of fuel. They result in air pollution.‌

Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA and similar chemicals are used in plastics. They are found in food and beverage containers.‌


Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs are flame retardants. They are used to treat materials such as fabrics or furniture to make them less likely to catch fire.‌

Phthalates. Phthalates are plasticizing agents. They are found in cosmetics, medicines, and paint.‌

Parabens.Parabens are preservatives found in food, paper products, and medicines.

Pesticides. Pesticides used in agricultural industries may have obesogenic effects.‌


Alkylphenols. These are a type of surfactant and thickener that are used in many consumer goods, such as rubber or paint.


https://www.webmd.com/obesity/what-to-know-obesogens
 
Nathan said:
Phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are found in food products, including soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas.
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well most non meat and "healthy options" are made from soy and chickpeas....... probably more consumption of these in recent years then ever in the past.
 

How to prevent contact with obesogens?​

This is a tough one: the chemicals that are likely culprits are in a lot of common objects we interact with every day, which could mean the spring cleaning to end all spring cleanings.

Some suggestions for reducing obesogens in your daily life:

  • Replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel or cast iron.
  • Don’t buy objects containing phthalates. This is a biggie because phthalates are everywhere, including toys, soap, shampoo, water bottles, baby bottles, etc.
  • Avoid products containing bisphenol A (BPA) – usually in plastics like water bottles and food storage containers. If you have plastic food containers and just can’t give them up, just don’t heat food in them, which can release the problematic chemicals. Reheat your food in glass and invest in stainless steel water bottles.
  • Avoid canned foods if they aren’t marked BPA-free. Yeah, we know. But BPA may promote fat-cell growth, so maybe soaking beans overnight isn’t quite such a terrible chore.
  • Dust often (obesogens can concentrate in household dust) and use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda when possible.
  • Ventilate well.
  • Eat organic. Many herbicides, pesticides. and other agricultural chemicals contain obesogens.
 
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Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics. It is found in various products including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes.

How BPA gets into the body​

The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure.

Bisphenol A can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The degree to which BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend more on the temperature of the liquid or bottle, than the age of the container. BPA can also be found in breast milk

How to prevent exposure to BPA​

Some animal studies suggest that infants and children may be the most vulnerable to the effects of BPA. Parents and caregivers can make the personal choice to reduce exposures of their infants and children to BPA:

Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.
Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
Reduce your use of canned foods.
When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
 
I'm well aware of obesogens and have taken steps to avoid them as much as possible. 😉 Thanks for posting this, Nathan, people need to know.
 
Packerjohn said:
That is all just way too technical for me. I always thought that people got fat because they ate too much food or bad food (burgers & fried) and did not exercise enough?
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Typically yea, but now there are plastic based compounds that are altering the way the body handles fat storage.
 


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