The new weight-gain threat
Obesogens are chemicals that disrupt the function of hormonal systems; many researchers believe they lead to weight gain and, in turn, numerous diseases that curse the American populace. They enter our bodies from a variety of sources — natural hormones found in soy products, hormones administered to animals, plastics in some food and drink packaging, ingredients added to processed foods, and pesticides sprayed on produce. They act in a variety of ways: by mimicking human hormones such as estrogen, by misprogramming stem cells to become fat cells and, researchers think, by altering the function of genes.
- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (1)
You mean the growth hormones we've been giving cows/chickens/pigs/plants to make them plump up are somehow getting into our own endocrine systems? Who knew!
The latest in obesity theory involves the concept of obesogens, unnatural chemicals we've added to our food either in the production or preservation phase. These don't necessarily include all unnatural chemicals, but some of them have effects on the human body that aren't fully understood. Research is beginning to show a correlation between their presence in the human body and weight gain.
A pretty insightful read if you have the time!
- 1 vote
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.



