So here at G.G. we talk a great deal about the unhealthy toxic chemicals in our environment and how we can minimize our exposure. Many of these chemicals can disrupt our endocrine system, cause infertility, birth defects and plethora of other diseases, but what about making us fat?
Bruce Bloomberg, Ph.D., a biologist at the University of CA Irvine, is concerned about these chemicals, which he feels play a part in the 
exponential rise of obesity in the U.S.
Blumberg has named this class of chemicals, “obesogens,” and found that TBT (used to make PVC,) caused mice to develop extra fat cells. Pregnant mice were also exposed to this chemical and gave birth to baby mice that were 15% fatter than mice that hadn’t been exposed. Granted this is just animal research at this point, but it’s still pretty significant. Further, this chemical is likely to be found in virtually everyone’s household dust. This is all the more reason to make sure you vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.
The ubiquitous BPA and phthalates can also cause weight gain. Recent research from the University of Boston revealed that teenage girls with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine, had higher BMIs that girls without. Many of these chemicals can also disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which is another contributing factor to weight gain. Remember that the many personal care products that teens love to use may be loaded with these chemicals.
To lower your family’s exposure to these “obesogens,” I recommend the following:
- Avoid any PVC products in your home.
- Avoid plastic storage containers – use glass Pyrex instead & NEVER microwave plastic.
- Avoid foods packed in plastic wrap.
- Avoid canned foods.
- Avoid grain-fed meat (make sure your meat is free-range/ hormone-free and preferably organic.)
- Eat organic green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale as they are high in folate, which could help protect against the adverse effects of BPA.
- Vacuum your entire home with a HEPA filter at least once a week.
So you can still have your burger – but just make sure it’s either an organic veggie burger, or one that is made from meat which hasn’t been fed antibiotics or hormones.
Thank you so much for the helpful information that you share with us.
Wow, would have never known that! Thank you!
It makes sense with the rise in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome(you’re resistant to your own insulin.
Does this mean that we shouldn’t put the kids’ lunches in plastic containers? We use the systema ones – don’t have a microwave and only use them for cold/room temp food. But are you now assuming ALL plastic should be avoided?
Lexi – you are fine as long as the foods are not heated when they go in and that the plastic is BPA-free. I like to try to avoid as much plastic coming into contact with our food as I can, but the “Safe” plastic for snacks is okay. I try to wrap sandwiches in Lunch Skins, which I love.
It says to avoid food wrapped in plastic. I have been feeding my 1.5yr. old grass fed cheese that comes wrapped in plastic. So does this mean the plastic can leach into the cheese? I guess it would defeat the purpose of me buying what I thought was the healthiest cheese I could buy.