What are obesogens?
Experts are struggling to understand why people find it difficult to lose weight even if they want to. Socio-economic conditions and the industrial environment have indeed changed a lot, but does it have such a strong impact on adipose tissue? There is an assumption that chemicals, of which there are more and more, can affect the functioning of the endocrine system, and therefore metabolic functions and the ability to store fat cells.
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How both workcogens?
For decades, researchers have noted that laboratory animals gain weight when exposed to certain chemicals. Early research suggests that there are several ways that obesogens affect the body:
- Increase in fat cells
Some obesogens are likely to affect the production of new fat cells. In some cases, the new cells may be unusually large. This allows more fat to be stored in the body, leading to weight gain. Research on this issue is inconclusive, and scientists continue to study this process in humans and animals.
- Blocking fat burning
Obesogens can disrupt the normal way fat cells work so that they cannot release stored fat. If the body cannot access fat to use as energy, fat stores will never decrease. This could hypothetically explain why changing the amount you eat and exercise doesn’t affect the amount of fat in your body (but it’s always a good idea to start by reviewing your diet and actual physical activity). Research into this process is ongoing to better understand how obesogens limit fat loss.
- Change in appetite
Some obesogens may possibly affect your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that controls appetite. The hypothalamus produces hormones that signal hunger and other hormones that tell you when you are full. In animal studies, this process was influenced by certain chemicals. The animals showed a tendency to eat compulsively and not stop even when they were no longer hungry. This can happen to people too.
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Types of obesogens
Scientists have identified quite a few chemicals that can cause obesity, but the research results are not yet conclusive. Some substances are already banned due to health concerns. Others are commonly used in manufacturing, agriculture and consumer products.
- Organotin. These chemicals are fungicides. They are used in the processing of wood for building materials.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are by-products of the combustion of certain types of fuel. They lead to air pollution.
- Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA and similar chemicals are used in plastics. They can be found in food and drink containers.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs are flame retardants. They are used to treat materials such as fabrics or furniture to reduce the likelihood of them catching fire.
- Phthalates. Phthalates are plasticizers. They are found in cosmetics, medicines and paints.
- Parabens. Parabens are preservatives found in food, paper products and medicines.
- Pesticides. Pesticides are used in agriculture.
- Alkylphenols. It is a type of surfactant and thickener that is used in many consumer products such as rubber or paint.
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What to do?
There is no need to throw out all industrial items from your home. The study of obesity-causing compounds is still in its early stages. You can study the packaging of consumer products more carefully and, if possible, limit the most aggressive substances. But it is almost impossible to completely rid yourself of exposure to chemical compounds in the modern world. Focus on nutrition and physical activity first until more reliable data becomes available.
Also:
Stop Losing Weight: How to Recognize Metabolic Adaptation
How to fine-tune your caloric deficit to start losing weight?