Obesogens

In the world today we are exposed to ever-increasing amounts of environmental toxins that have significant health implications. It is estimated that 80,000 new chemicals have been developed since WW2, most of which are not tested for human safety. Many practitioners and researchers feel this number of new chemicals is over 200,000. There compounds are pervasive and we are easily exposed to them by consuming (eating or drinking), breathing them in, and through skin absorption. Needless to say, our exposure to environmental toxins is much more than ever before in human history.

Among these toxic compounds are obesogens. Obesogens are endocrine disrupting chemicals that disrupt normal metabolic processes, hormone function and also contribute to weight gain.

Why Are Obesogens Dangerous?

Obesogens are a class of chemical compounds that are endocrine disrupters. This means they mimic the naturally occurring hormones within the body by binding to their cellular receptor cites and initiating a physiological response.

 It is no secret that obesity rates are sky rocketing in our country with increasing percentages of both childhood and adult obesity. Obesogens have the power to change how our body stores fat and facilitate fat gain. Furthermore, exposure to obesogens is even more dangerous in times of development such as in utero, during early childhood, and throughout puberty.

Unfortunately, high fructose corn syrup is an obesogen. This is particularly alarming when it comes to children as their diets tend to be high in high fructose corn syrup throughout those formative years. This compound has the potential to wreak havoc on insulin metabolism as well as the hormone leptin involved with fat storage.

Because obesogens are endocrine disrupters and contribute to weight gain and obesity, they have been linked to conditions such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Insulin resistance

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Thyroid dysfunction

  • Hormone dysregulation

  • Premature puberty

  • Gynecomastia

  • Infertility

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Asthma

  • Cancer

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders including ADD, ADHD, ASD, and other behavioral problems.

Where are Obesogens Found?

  • Trace hormones and antibiotics in conventional dairy products and conventional meat

  • Phthalates- a widespread class of chemicals added to products to make them softer

  • Plastics, including BPA & BPA-free items

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)  in Teflon and other non-stick cookware

  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), found in paints, cements, sealants, and adhesives

  • Some pesticides and herbicides

  • Flame retardants

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Air pollution

How to Avoid Obesogens

  • Focus on a nutrient-dense, real food diet free of high fructose corn syrup, processed foods, refined sugars, etc.

  • Seek grass-fed and pasture-raised meats and dairy

  • Consumes only organic foods or adhere to the EWG’s Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 lists

  • Avoid plastics, both BPA& BPA-free, including water bottles, food storage, toys, etc .

  • Purchase wild caught fish

  • Use filtered water

  • Reduce or eliminate canned foods from your diet as the cans are often lined with BPA

  • Get rid of non-stick, Teflon cookware that has PFOA

  • Use essential oils instead of conventional air fresheners

  • Seek out furniture made without flame retardants

  • Use nontoxic makeup, personal care items, and household products.

  • Minimize exposure to receipts as they are often coated with BPA

  • Avoid aerosol products

  • Avoid air pollution as much as possible and invest in an air purifier for your home

Next Steps

This first and most important thing if you suspect exposure to obesogens could be impacting your health is to remove them from your diet and lifestyle. Our doctors are trained in safe, effective detoxification methods, blood sugar regulating, and weightless protocols that will help your body reverse the damaging effects of obesogens.

Ashley Turner