What are obesogens?Â
Obesogens are chemicals in our environment that are linked to obesity. They are thought to disrupt the actions of hormones in regulating our metabolism and appetite and are considered endocrine disruptors. (See previous articles on endocrine disruptors from March 15 and 22, 2023.)
3D model of a chemical compound. Obesogens are chemicals which act as endocrine disruptors.
Current research shows these environmental chemicals can disrupt hormonal and regulatory pathways in the body, contributing to the obesity epidemic, in addition to diet, genetics, and lifestyle. Obesogens can promote fat storage and production.
Obesogens contribute to obesity by:
Increasing the number of fat cells or the amount of fat storedÂ
Affecting one’s metabolism or basal metabolic rate
Altering hormonal control of hunger and fullness
Creating changes in the gut microbiome
The five most common obesogens include
Bisphenol-A (BPA) - used in lining food and beverage cans, in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and paper receipts
Phthalates - a compound in plastics, insecticides, adhesives, and cosmetics
Atrazine - an herbicide
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - a non-stick compound
Organotins - used in making plastics, wood treatments, pesticides, fungicides, disinfectants, and vinyl and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products
A naturally occurring obesogen in food is fructose, especially from sweetened beverages and ultraprocessed foods, usually in the form of high fructose corn syrup. Additional food additives include:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Emulsifiers such as carrageenan and carboxymethylcellulose
Preserving agents such as sulfites and benzoates
Artificial sweeteners
Thus, these exist in the environment, in food packaging (which can leach into food) or in food additives. Foods are the main sources of obesogens.Â
Obesogens are thought to contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. If so, we need to focus on the prevention and treatment of obesity not only with diet and exercise, but with the avoidance of these disrupting chemicals.
The obesity epidemic began 40 years ago and coincided with the low-fat craze and the increase of added sugars to foods, food additives, and the ongoing emergence of ultra-processed and fast foods. In the mid-1970s, only 3% of men and 6% of women were considered obese. By 2014, these numbers tripled, and in 2025, 4 in 10 adults, or 40%, and about 20-25% of children are considered obese.
Unfortunately, the effects of these chemicals only develop later in life. They affect one’s physiology, predisposing them to more fat storage as they get older. If exposed during critical times of development, results could be lifelong.
Exposure has become so pervasive that avoiding them entirely is impossible. However, you can limit those to which you are in regular contact. The following will help.
Look for BPA-free products, which are often labeled on cans and plastics. Plastics with a recycle code of 3 or 7 usually contain BPA.
Look for BPA Free labeling on cans and plastic bottles.
Don’t heat plastic containers, either in the microwave or in the dishwasher.
Don’t heat food wrapped in plastic.
Use glass, porcelain, or stainless-steel containers for food storage, hot foods, and hot drinks. Use glass containers to heat food in a microwave.
Read labels to avoid carrageenan and emulsifiers.
Avoid buying plastic toys.
Silicone block toys pictured below. Silicone toys are a great alternative to kids' plastic toys.
Buy organic produce when you can to avoid pesticides and fungicides. Refer to the Environmental Working Group’s (ewg.org) Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists to find produce grown with minimal pesticides.
Avoid paper receipts when not needed.
Eliminate as much high-fructose corn syrup as possible from your diet, especially from sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods.
Vacuum and dust frequently and change air filters regularly.
Choose fragrance-free items and those labeled phthalate-free, BPA-free, and paraben-free.
Look for this Safer Choice label on a variety of products to avoid certain obesogens.
Avoid old Teflon and non-stick cookware; use stainless steel, cast iron, enamel-coated cast iron, ceramic, and glass.
Choose the least processed foods, thus avoiding preservatives, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and other additives.
Eat a diversified diet with lots of variety to avoid exposure by not eating the same food frequently.
Wash your hands often, especially before preparing food.
Studies on obesogens are still in the early stages. While we await further studies and regulation, do what you can to limit regular exposure in you and your children. Avoid what you can, when you can.