According to a study, people who are permanently exposed to highly toxic chemicals in their diet and drinking water are more likely to become obese.
Obesity is typically linked to diet and lifestyle choices, but a new Danish study finds that per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) may be contributing to the epidemic.
PFAS are standard in the manufacture of common household products, from non-stick pans and food packaging to firefighting foam. The chemicals also enter the water supply through sewage runoff.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of health issues of concern, including: infertility, metabolic disorders, kidney disease and certain types of cancer.
The international research team focused on a chemical commonly found in contaminated drinking water, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has the strongest links to obesity.
PFAS is a common contaminant in many household items. It is easily leached into the groundwater system when removed and can contribute to obesity
The researchers, led by dr. Philippe Grandjean, an environmental scientist at the University of Rhode Island, reported that people who had the highest levels of PFOA in their blood gained about 11 pounds more than those with low levels in a one-year follow-up. . -on.
The study authors wrote: “Elevated plasma PFAS concentrations predicted greater weight gain after initial weight loss, regardless of the diet group to which participants were assigned.
“The results indicate that PFOA and PFHxS [another type of PFAS] can lead to weight gain in overweight individuals in weight loss programs.’
The authors of the study analyzed more than 380 blood plasma samples that were already part of a randomized study by the European Commission on obesity.
They recorded the presence of both PFOA and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS).
The participants in the study, published last week in the journal Obesity, come from eight European countries: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Participants were asked to stick to an 800-calorie-a-day diet to lose eight percent of their body weight.
Up to 65% of menstrual underwear contains persistent chemicals
There is evidence that makes up as much as two-thirds of menstrual underwear contain toxic “forever chemicals” that have been linked to everything from kidney cancer to miscarriage and even infertility.
They were then randomly assigned to one of five dietary groups, e.g. B. Foods that are low in protein and high on the glycemic index.
Regardless of the diet each participant was assigned to, they gained weight when they had elevated levels of PFAS in their blood.
Dr Grandjean said: “Our study provides new evidence that obesity is not just due to lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits – PFAS is increasingly suspected as a factor.”
Because of their widespread use in manufacturing, most Americans are regularly exposed to PFAS. It is estimated that more than 200 million Americans drink PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
The chemicals enter drinking water when products containing them are used or spilled on the ground or in lakes and rivers.
In groundwater, PFAS can travel long distances and contaminate drinking fountains. PFAS in the air can also enter rivers and lakes, which are often used for drinking water.
Forever chemicals can be filtered out of drinking water with an activated carbon filter, which is available at most stores and online marketplaces. But this is not a general solution to the problem.
To reduce Americans’ exposure to the harmful chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month proposed groundbreaking changes to the maximum allowable concentrations of PFAS in drinking water.
Under the new guidelines, drinking water must contain no more than four parts per trillion (ppt) of PFOA or PFOS.
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
