Struggling to lose those 20 pounds? Been eating “right” and just can’t seem to get rid of those extra pounds? Could be chemicals known as obesogens that are commonly found in food, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Do Home Fragrances Contain “Obesogens”?
And, those house fragrance products – you know the plugins and candles. And yes, those auto spraying home fragrance products. Who thought that one up??
Most obesogens are what are called endocrine disruptors. Basically, they disrupt your metabolism hormones leading to weight gain especially in the tummy. It is the chronic low-grade exposure over time that eventually imbalances your hormones that keep your body’s metabolism at its peak.
What Chemicals Can Make You Fat?
- Pesticides, Insecticides, Herbicides – Most notably atrazine and glyphosate are known to have an impact on glucose metabolism – diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Phthalates – Common plasticizers that are found in everything from designer handbags to home and personal care fragrance products. Difficult to find in the ingredients list as it commonly is hidden in the word “fragrance” and manufacturers do not have to list it. The simple way to avoid – skip the commercial home fragrances, perfumes for better options using essential oils.
- Parabens -Commonly found in food as a preservative with high levels found in maple syrup, muffin, iced tea, pudding, and turkey roast. Look for word paraben preceded by -methyl, butyl, and propyl to see if there are in your pantry. This is also used in many cosmetics and personal care products like shampoo, conditioners, lotions, and even toothpaste.
- Bisphenol (BPA) – Commonly found in plastics, canned foods, medical devices, and even cash register receipts. Plastic water bottles especially the “thin” plastic water bottles under certain conditions (high heat) leaks BPA into the water.
These are just a few of the chemicals that have linked to obesity and hormonal imbalances. The list is growing as more and more evidence is showing that these chemicals actually disrupt the normal signaling pathways in weight management.
For some of us, these chemicals will have a bigger impact on weight management than others due to genomics or genetics. For instance, those with SNP in the PPAR are going to be more affected by these chemicals as they have an impact on that metabolic pathway where PPAR is involved. Want to learn more, please join my Nutrition Solutions Through Genomics Facebook page today!
Eileen Schutte, MS, CN, FMN – One of my biggest passions is to help clients overcome food intolerances like histamine intolerance and sensitivities so that they can enjoy food again. My other passion is nutrigenomics, speaking to your genes through nutrition with focus on digestive health, autoimmune conditions, and skin health. I hold a master's degree in functional nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut graduating Summa Cum Laude. After completing my masters I went on to get my certification in Functional Medicine Nutrition, and am a Certified LEAP Therapist (food sensitivities program). In addition, I am pursuing advanced education in Nutrigenomics through the American College of Nutrition.
