We are often told that our obesity crisis is simply due to a lack of willpower. If obese people would only eat less and exercise more, then the epidemic would disappear. Obviously, excess calorie consumption is a problem, but what if one of the factors underlying the epidemic may have nothing to do with sloth and gluttony?
There are a growing number of investigators who are doing studies that indicate chemicals found in ubiquitous plastic products may be another cause, especially affecting the future development of the fetus in the womb. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors. Now they are being given a new name: obesogens, chemicals that promote obesity. One of the biggest offenders is bisphenol A. More than 2 billion pounds of bisphenol A are produced each year. This is the chemical used to make the ubiquitous plastic bottles and line the interior of canned goods. In small concentrations, bisphenol A affects fetal development in animals and appears to cause obesity later in life. Unfortunately, more than 95 percent of Americans have levels of bisphenol A in their blood that exceeds the levels required to induce hormonal changes in the fetus for later weight gain. Another obesogen is tributyltin, which is used as an anti-fouling chemical for ships. Unfortunately, it also gets into the food chain through fish, and it is far more powerful for inducing obesity than bisphenol A. Yes, you should eat less and exercise more, but try to avoid plastics and always use glass containers and maybe consider using refined fish oils instead of eating fish.