|
Are Obesogens Making You Fat?
It's estimated that 300 million people in the world are obese.
While we know that eating too much food (and the wrong kind, at that) and not getting enough exercise are the primary causes of the obesity epidemic, researchers have discovered another factor: obesogens .
Obesogens are endocrine disruptors that affect the way the body uses fat. They also affect the distribution of fat and the development of sexual characteristics.
Here are the top three obesogens:
- Bisphenol-a (BPA) - found in plastics with recycling codes 3 and 7 and in liners of cans
- Organotins - biocides found in conventionally grown produce
- Phthalates - found in personal care products like nail polish, shampoo, lotions, perfumes, etc., as well as plastics
You may get only a small amount of these obesogens, but their effects are cumulative. To protect yourself, follow these rules:
1. Eat only organic foods that are not treated with pesticides.
2. Buy canned foods in BPA-free cans. Vital Choice and Eden Foods are two companies that certify their can liners are safe.
3. Drink spring water in safe BPA-free bottles or filter your water using reverse osmosis and store it in glass containers.
4. Read the labels on personal care products carefully, and choose organics. Better yet, put on your skin only products made with ingredients that you would put in your mouth.
5. Avoid plastics. The "new car smell" is a telltale sign that phthalates are present.
| 
