Chemical exposure linked with obesity: study
| May 21, 2019, 18:14 IST
While we definitely do not mean to scare you, but this needs to be said. According to a new study, everyday exposure to some harmful chemicals can land one in serious trouble. But the scary part is that these ‘harmful chemicals’ can be found in everyday items, and you wouldn’t even know them
The research team of the study found a link between phthalate exposure and markers of impaired liver function, which are indicators of increased risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The study’s findings advise people to reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, phthalates are common additives used in manufacturing to produce plastic, and numerous other everyday items like milk, bottled water, instant coffee, perfume, makeup, shampoo, toys, and food packaging.
Although no studies before have directly linked phthalate exposure to obesity and metabolism. In this study, Professor Milica Medi Stojanoska, one of the researchers correlated the levels of Phthalate absorbed by people with their body weight, type 2 diabetes incidence and markers of impaired liver and metabolic function. Higher exposure to the chemical was associated with increased markers of liver damage, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.
Prof Stojanoska says, "Although a small association study, these findings suggest that not only do phthalates alter metabolism to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes but that they are also causing toxic damage to the liver." Prof Stojanoska's research is now looking at the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on human health in adults, adolescents, and babies. "We need to inform people about the potential adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on their health and look at ways to minimise our contact with these harmful chemicals," adds the professor.
The research team of the study found a link between phthalate exposure and markers of impaired liver function, which are indicators of increased risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The study’s findings advise people to reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, phthalates are common additives used in manufacturing to produce plastic, and numerous other everyday items like milk, bottled water, instant coffee, perfume, makeup, shampoo, toys, and food packaging.
Although no studies before have directly linked phthalate exposure to obesity and metabolism. In this study, Professor Milica Medi Stojanoska, one of the researchers correlated the levels of Phthalate absorbed by people with their body weight, type 2 diabetes incidence and markers of impaired liver and metabolic function. Higher exposure to the chemical was associated with increased markers of liver damage, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.
Prof Stojanoska says, "Although a small association study, these findings suggest that not only do phthalates alter metabolism to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes but that they are also causing toxic damage to the liver." Prof Stojanoska's research is now looking at the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on human health in adults, adolescents, and babies. "We need to inform people about the potential adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on their health and look at ways to minimise our contact with these harmful chemicals," adds the professor.