Chemicals That Make You Fat

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Even when a dieter is faithfully following a weight loss program, the progress can still be slow. Most dieters know about counting calories and exercise, but not many people realize the effect of chemical compounds known as obesogens that can interrupt metabolism which affects obesity.

What Are Obesogens?

Obesogens are chemical compounds that are foreign to the human body. They’re able to upset homeostasis, which is an equilibrium bodily state where all systems of the body are properly working, as well as interacting so a person’s body has all his needs met. These chemical compounds can cause a person to have more fat cells, besides altering metabolism.

The Top Three Obesogens

According to the Reevolver website there are three main obesogens.
Bisphenol (BPA) is a chemical that’s mainly used in making plastics that have recycling codes 3 and 7, according to Being Healthy Normally.com. It’s also found in liners of food cans.

Organotins are biocides which are chemicals commonly used in medicines and agriculture. They’re usually found in produce that’s conventionally grown.
Phthalates, also called plasticizers, are those chemicals found in personal care products such as shampoos, lotions and perfumes.

Ways to Avoid Obesogens

Although it’s impossible to totally eliminate obesogens, there are steps consumers can take to reduce the amount of exposure to these harmful substances. One way is to eat more organic foods that aren’t treated with pesticides. People living in small towns may find it harder to find organic foods, but they can usually find them at local farmers markets. Non-organic fruits and vegetables should be scrubbed thoroughly before consuming.

Buying canned foods in cans that don’t contain BPA is lowers the amount of obsesogens. For example, Eden and Vital Choice are two companies certifying their can liners are safe.
Choose only organic personal care products.
Avoid using plastic food containers. Rather than storing leftovers in plastic containers, use aluminum or glass containers. Foil and wax paper are also options for storing food.
Eliminate “gelled rubber” from the home. Examples are the stretchy rubber items that are bendable such as fishing worms and children’s toys that are made with phthalates.
Wrap meat, poultry and fish in paper rather than plastic. When buying from a butcher, request freezing paper.
Don’t use plastic cups or Styrofoam. It’s better to take a personal cup or mug when traveling than use plastic or Styrofoam cups.
Avoid meat and poultry raised on hormones. Only eat from cows, chickens and other animals that were grass fed. Also, try to find locally grown meat and eat fish grown locally.
Grow your own produce.

Finally, although obesogens do affect the body and weight loss, it’s important to not become obsessed with them. In other words, use moderation and common sense, while being aware of how obesogens can affect the body and weight loss. Even though chemicals may be left in clothes that are dry cleaned, if there’s limited time to iron, don’t worry about the effect of obesogens. In other words, use balance and don't become paranoid.