Chemicals Responsible for Obesity
Obesity is escalating rapidly among people of all age groups. While sedentary lifestyle and poor diet are largely responsible factors for unusual weight gain, but latest researches have shown that fats and sugars from fast foods, and lack of exercise are not the sole culprits. Obesity is also linked to environmental pollution and rising exposure to some harmful chemicals.
Paint
If you travel frequently in a boat, the paint of your boat might be responsible for your abnormal increase in weight. According to studies, tributyltin present in some boat paints, and also used for preserving woods and textiles, and as a pesticide, might be responsible for obesity. Animal studies have shown that tributyltin causes retinoid X receptors to trigger fat storage in the body. It is also advisable to reduce use of canned food products, as tributyltin might be present in the can’s paint.
Organotins, used for painting ships in order to prevent the foully fishy odor, are also believed to be responsible for obesity. HCB, a pesticide, is also linked to obesity. Although, HCB has been banned, but nonetheless, it has already penetrated our body through contaminated soil and water.
Plastics
Some studies have pointed the role of phthalates in triggering obesity epidemic. Phthalate is used often in plastics or PVC and even in personal care products. These hormone disruptors are present in nearly 90 percent of all PVC products. While buying plastics products or packages check that, they are not made from PVC. Also, read the labels of cosmetics to see whether phthalate is one of the ingredients used in making the product.
Canned food
Cans which store foods and beverages might contain BPA. BPA is another toxin chemical responsible for obesity. Instead of using foods packed in cans or polycarbonate plastic, consume foods and beverages packed in glass bottles and tetra packs. PFOA present in your Teflon cookware might also be responsible for weight gain. Stain resistant clothing also contains this harmful chemical.
