Introduction
Obesogens are chemical compounds that can disturb normal metabolism and contribute to the development of obesity. These compounds are found in various sources, such as foods, household products, and some personal care products. It is also present in some industrial pollution. The most well-known obesogens are endocrine disruptors of the body that can mimic the hormones that disturb normal metabolic processes. The risk of obesity was increasing due to increased exposure to obesogens with other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. It is important to limit one's exposure to obesogens by having a healthy diet and using personal healthcare products, which can help reduce the overall exposure to toxins in the surrounding environment. This article covers the five most common obesogens, how they can affect one, and how to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
What Are Obesogens?
Obesogens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These obesogens may interfere with one's endocrine system, which plays an important role in the energy balance and storage of fat.
What Is the Function of Obesogens?
Obesogens can promote obesity by the following:
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Increasing the number of fat cells.
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Shifting the energy balance to favor calorie storage.
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Altering the gut microbiota for promoting food storage.
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Changing the basal metabolic rate (BMR) shows how many calories one's body needs to fulfill its basic functions.
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Increasing the storage of fat in the existing fat cells.
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Modifying the hormonal control of appetite and fullness.
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Altering the fat cell production versus the destruction.
Some research has found evidence of EDCs in the placenta, umbilical cord blood, and amniotic fluid. Exposure to EDC in the early stages of development may influence obesity later in life. This can increase the risk of diseases. Such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. Because the enzymes involved in their elimination were not fully functional.
What Are the Types of Obesogens?
There are many types of obesogens or endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Below are the five most common ones. They are as follows:
1. Bisphenol-A (BPA): BPA is the synthetic compound used to produce the polycarbonate plastic and the epoxy resins that line the food and beverage cans. It is seen in numerous beverage and food containers. Bisphenol has a similar structure to estradiol, which is the main female sex hormone. Though estradiol is a type of estrogen, bisphenol binds to the estrogen-related receptors in the body. Based on the test tube animal studies, this may induce insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation and promote the formation of fat cells. Humans were largely exposed to bisphenol while eating food, which is stored or reheated in BPA-lined containers. Since this compound is not attached to the plastic, it can get into one's food as a result of changes in the PH and temperature. BPA is found in newborns, children, and adults. It can be measured in body fluids and tissues such as urine, blood, saliva, breast milk, and fatty tissue. BPA at the levels seen in the general population was linked with the increased prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. People have to understand more about the impact of BPA on humans.
2. Phthalates: Phthalates were a group of man-made chemicals that were used to make plastics that were more flexible and durable. These are present in the following:
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Medical devices.
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Toys.
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Food packing.
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Nail polish.
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Perfumes.
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Shampoo.
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Lotions.
The most common type of phthalate is di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP), a chemical that binds to the androgen receptors, the main male sex hormone that impairs testosterone synthesis, resulting in anti-androgen effects that may promote the development of obesity. Phthalates may affect the hormone receptors called PPARs and the other cell signaling pathways that are involved in one's metabolism. The primary form of exposure is by consuming beverages and food that had been in contact with phthalate-containing products. Phthalate particles in the dust may also be a significant source of exposure. Most of the test tube animal studies support that DEHLP and the phthalates affect the development of obesity and type two diabetes. Studies show that when children are linked with these compounds there is an increase in body mass and obesity. Phthalates are seen everywhere, along with their metabolites or the end products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), phthalates cause a safety risk. This only refers to their use in cosmetics.
3. Atrazine: Atrazine was widely used as an herbicide where drinking water was not a frequent source of human exposure. Atrazine was one of the most commonly found pesticides in the surface and ground waters in the region where it was used. Similarly to BPA and phthalates, atrazine has anti-androgenic and estrogenic effects. This also reduces the production of the luteinizing hormone, a hormone involved during sexual functioning and development. Long-term exposure to atrazine can increase obesity risk and insulin resistance, mainly when linked to high-fat diets. Some research shows that herbicide exposure has a potential effect on chronic diseases such as the following:
Evidence may show points towards atrazine having obesogenic effects. There is an increased risk of obesity in animals, and still, human research is lacking.
4. Organotins: Organotins were the class of industrial compounds that were used as polyvinyl chloride stabilizers, pesticides, and antifouling paints. Tributyltin was an active ingredient in antifungal paint that was applied to ships and boats to prevent the growth of marine organisms. Because of this, the organotins were released inside the water and deposited in the sediments that contaminate many lakes and coastal waters. Scientists may show that marine water contaminated with tributyltin causes imposition in some of the sea snails, which means female snails may develop male sex organs. That is considered the best example of an EDC in wildlife. Some studies have shown that its exposure results in increased fat accumulation and reduced muscle mass. In animal studies, mice were exposed to tributyltin throughout lactation and pregnancy. The third and fourth generation of male offspring has more and larger effects on the fat cells, suggesting a sex-specific transgenerational causing obesity. In humans, the adverse effects of organotins vary, ranging from obesity to heart, immunotoxicity, and brain. Human exposure may occur through dietary sources such as contaminated seafood and shellfish. Organotin, such as tributyltin, has clear endocrine-disrupting effects in animals. They are also believed to promote obesity in humans, although more research is still needed.
5. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA):
Perfluorooctanoic acid is a surfactant that is used in waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, microwaveable food items, and stain repellent. The main sources of exposure to PFOA were contaminated water sources. When once ingested, it may remain in one's body for longer periods of time. Similarly, like phthalates, PFOA activates PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) in the body that is involved in fat metabolism. PFOA before birth has higher chances of developing obesity when they reach adulthood, as well as increased leptin, insulin, and body weight. Also, PFOA promoting obesity is unclear in humans.
How to Minimize One’s Exposure to Obesogens?
The effect of the obesogens on human health was less known to the extent of their interaction with risk factors for obesity like inflammation, the timing of eating, diet, and appetite regulation. EDC can accumulate in the tissues when others may predispose future generations to obesity and other metabolic disorders. Below are a few simple things one can do to reduce one's exposure that includes:
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Minimizing the use of EDC, which contains cosmetics and personal care products, by choosing organic options.
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Avoid heating foods in plastic containers.
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Opt for organic foods such as vegetables, corn, wheat, rice, and fruits when possible.
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While using plastic containers, one can opt for BPA-free and phthalate-free labels.
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Prefer stainless steel, aluminum, or glass containers over plastic ones for foods and beverages.
The above recommendations may be especially important if one is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting sufficient quality of sleep, exercising, and managing stress remain the most important factors when it comes to health.
Conclusion
Obesogens are chemicals that can promote obesity by disrupting the endocrine organs and the hormones in the body. One should keep in mind that these speculated effects of the chemicals were mainly based on animal studies. Most obesogens are present in everyday household items that may be easily transferred to one's beverages and foods. Therefore, choosing organic products and avoiding plastic containers is the only easy way to minimize one's exposure if one worries about the potential negative health effects.
