The first step to learning about obesogens is realizing that they are found everywhere due to the lack of regulation of man-made substances. This includes plastic water bottles and containers we use every day. They are on conventionally grown food that has been extensively sprayed with pesticides. These are found in our everyday cosmetics, as well as the air we breathe and the water we drink. Obesogens often referred to as endocrine disruptors, are substances that interfere with our bodies’ normal metabolic process. By accumulating fat, decreasing your metabolism, and altering your hunger signals, they incline you to obtain weight rather than lose weight.
Here is something every woman should know about health and weight:
Being healthy is not only about diet and exercise. If that were the case, we would all be flourishing! Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Man-made chemicals, along with health and poor-quality food, are not only one of the most rapidly increasing problems impacting people’s health today. So, why are we spending time doing things such as dieting and exercising if they aren’t truly helping us? Consider the following questions:
- Do you struggle with losing weight?
- Do you gain weight even though you make healthy eating choices and exercise regularly?
- Have you noticed a decrease in your energy?
- Are you experiencing painful periods, hormonal unbalances, or difficulty conceiving?
- Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?
- Do you or your children have trouble staying focused?
- Do you have rashes or breakouts that you cannot explain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are going to learn why being healthy has become more difficult, and how unseen saboteurs (known as obesogens) are wreaking havoc on not just your health, but the health of future generations.
In 2006, Bruce Blumberg, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, developed the word “obesogen” while researching the impact of common environmental chemicals. These chemicals included things such as fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, and plastics on reproductive problems and how they influenced future generations. He discovered that pregnant rats exposed to high amounts of these chemicals (obesogens) produced offspring with reproductive problems, but perhaps more significantly, their offspring (great-grandchildren) had greater obesity rates when they were born. The connection between BPA (plastic) exposure and obesity has been shown in human research.
The Research on Obesogens is Becoming Worse:
Not only were the rats much larger when they were exposed to high amounts of plasticides, but their progeny (offspring) were as well. In human research, a similar connection between BPS exposure and obesity was discovered. Tributyltin (TBT), a chemical used in marine paint, has been shown to promote weight by advertising the information of additional fat cells. Obesogens have been found to affect human sex hormones and thyroid function, both of which have consequences that result in gaining weight. Arsenic and other heavy metals may contribute to obesity. To make things worse, obesogens are endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic your body’s natural hormones, particularly estrogen. This causes your cells to get confused, then proceeds to disrupt their communication.
This is why endocrine disruptors are such a significant issue for women: Estrogen must be in harmony with all other hormones in order for us to feel our best and avoid painful periods and major hormone problems.
PMS is quite prevalent; however, it is not normal. PMS and hormone disruption, including fertility, are at an all-time high due to our exposure to these man-made substances! Before any of my great scientist friends get all worked up, please understand that when I use the term chemical in this blog, I am referring to man-made, synthetic compounds produced in labs, not all chemicals. I am well aware that natural chemical reactions initiate and control all of the activities in our bodies.
Statistics on hormone disruption:
Fertility issues currently impact one out of every six women. Millions of women today suffer from endometriosis, fibroids, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. To be clear, these are NOT normal problems; these are just common problems.
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) was something we didn’t really speak about in school when I was younger. PCOS already affects 10% of women, and the number is rising. Affecting more than 50 million people in the United States, autoimmune illness affects more than 75% of women. Endocrine disruptors in the items we use on a daily basis are messing with our hormones. Worse still, the corporations are well aware that these chemicals are a concern. This is why we must begin to use our purchasing power to inform businesses that we are no longer willing to jeopardize our health for the sake of their bottom line.
Because that is exactly what we are discussing here: Money.
They aim to make their product as inexpensive as possible, therefore instead of utilizing natural components, they use man-made chemicals. One of the most essential things to know about obesogens is that they have the greatest impact on pregnant women, young children, and teenagers.
WHAT EFFECTS DO OBESOGENS HAVE ON THE BODY?
They make the body want to store more fat. They reprogram stem cells to turn fat into cells, or to put it in another way, they make more fat cells. Obesogens make the liver insulin resistant, causing the body to produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar, resulting in increased fat accumulation throughout the body. They interfere with your hunger signals, particularly leptin, the satiety hormone. As a result, you are always hungry!
Obesogens stifle fat burning, making it much harder to lose weight or maintain your desired weight. They imitate our hormones and cause the body to become confused.
OBESOGENS KNOWN AND SUSPECTED
This is the complete list of obesogens that have been discovered thus far. These are only anticipated to increase in the future. As you can see, depending on your lifestyle choices, you are exposed to many, if not all of them on a regular basis.
High fructose corn syrup
HFCS is a maize starch-based sweetener. Because it is in almost all packaged foods, the typical American consumes a pound each week. Examine your labeling!Genistein
Although it may be found in a variety of plants, soybeans and soy products such as tofu and textured vegetable proteins, this does not mean it is healthy! These are some of the most common dietary sources.Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Used as a flavor enhancer in the food business. MSG is particularly popular in Asian cuisine, soups, gravies, and frozen dinners.Nicotine
An average cigarette contains approximately 2 mg of nicotine that is absorbed.
PHARMACEUTICAL
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
DES is a synthetic version of estrogen, a female hormone. Between 1940 and 1971, it was given to pregnant women to avoid miscarriage, preterm labor, and other pregnancy problems.Estradiol
Prescription for synthetic estrogen
This is why, if you must take hormone replacement treatment, bio-identical hormones are recommended. Do your homework; you do not want to simply take the usual estrogen prescription!
INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent plastic that is utilized in a wide range of consumer goods, including water bottles, plastic containers, shower curtains, cosmetic products, and much more.BPA is found in the bodies of more than 90% of individuals.
Organotin
Anti-fouling coatings, molluscicide formulations for snail control, agricultural biocides spraying, and soil leaching from fields treated with biocides all have the potential to infiltrate waterways. Organotin chemicals in the environment are mostly caused by biocidal applications.Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Nonstick cookware and goods that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water are examples of consumer products.Water that has been polluted with PFOA
Food cultivated in PFOA-contaminated soil or water
Phthalates
Also known as “the everywhere chemical”, are a class of chemicals that are used in a variety of products.Toys, vehicle interiors, personal care and beauty items, vinyl flooring, vinyl wallpaper and vinyl shower curtains are all examples of this material.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Many households, automobile, and electrical items that must be flame-retardant or difficult to burn are considered consumer products.Air- dust from PBDE- containing goods in the home
Polluted food, particularly high-fat meals and seafood; contaminated drinking water.
PESTICIDES WITH ORGANOPHOSPHATES:
A neurotoxic pesticide extensively used in agriculture in the United States
Diazinon
In agriculture, it is used to keep insects away from fruits and veggies, nuts and field crops.Parathion
Because it is a synthetic chemical, it is only found in the environment as a consequence of its production or usage.
OTHER POLLUTANTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Benzo(a)pyrene
Residential wood burning is the primary source of atmospheric BaP. Coal tar, vehicle exhaust fumes (particularly from diesel engines), any smoke originating from the burning of organic material (including cigarette smoke), and charbroiled food all include it.Fine Particulate Matter (NPM)
Construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires are common sources of this combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air.Heavy metals
Lead is present in many aspects of our environment, including the air, water, and ever our houses.