Having trouble loosing those last couple of pounds? It may be the hidden chemicals in your food.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)are found in a variety of our food, consumer products and other daily items (be on the lookout for another blog going into more detail about EDCs!). EDCs impact hormones and are linked to a variety of different diseases and negative health outcomes. Some of these endocrine disrupting chemicals also fall into another category- obsesogens.
Obesogens disrupt normal metabolic processes that increase the susceptibility, or sensitivity, for an individual to gain and retain weight.
Obesogens do not directly contribute to obesity, but can be a mechanism by which health outcomes occur- especially during critical developmental periods across the lifespan. The research on this group of chemical is still relatively new, but these chemicals are thought to affect our bodies by:
- changing the way fat cells develop and retain fat
- making it difficult to retain a healthy weight
- changing the regulation of the feelings of hunger and fullness
- increasing the effects of diets higher in fat and sugar
How to reduce exposures
Obesogens can be found more directly in processed foods. Avoid obesogens and other endocrine disrupting chemicals by eating a varied diet, rich in protein, whole grains, and folic acid. Buy fresh, whole foods and reduce your intake of processed foods containing artificial preservatives, chemicals, sweeteners, food coloring and flavors.
Comment below any questions you still have about obesogens!
healthyeating #WHE #cleaneating
Reference: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/obesity/obesogens/index.cfm
