Everyday products carry environmental chemicals that may be making us fat by interfering with our hormones, according to research presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018.
Chemicals that interfere with how our bodies store and process fat are referred to as 'obesogens', and have been suggested as a possible contributor to the increasing number of obesity cases. Obesogens reprogram how our cells work in two main ways: they can promote fat accumulation through increasing the number and size of fat cells or by increasing appetite, or they can make it more difficult to lose fat by changing our ability to burn calories. Previous studies have identified these chemicals in many everyday products, such as pesticides, plastics, flame retardants, repellent coatings on kitchen utensils and clothes, and artificial sweeteners. This comprehensive analysis aims to highlight to health professionals, and the public, the main sources of obesogens, and includes specific recommendations on minimising exposure.
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Based on the findings of the review, the researchers suggest specific recommendations to reduce obesogen exposure. The recommendations include:
Choosing fresh food over processed products with long lists of ingredients on the label—the longer the list, the more likely the product is to contain obesogens
Buying fruit and vegetables produced without pesticides, such as certified organic or local pesticide-free products
Reducing the use of plastic, especially when heating or storing food. Instead, use glass or aluminium containers for your food and drinks.
Removing shoes when entering the house to avoid bringing in contaminants in the sole of shoes
Vacuuming often, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and dust your house frequently using a damp cloth.
Removing or minimising carpet at home or work, as they tend to accumulate more dust
Avoiding cleaning products when possible, or choose those that do not contain obesogens