Are EDCs making you fat?

During my weekly H.I.I.T step class which improves cardiovascular fitness, speed, agility and achieves some serious calorie burning, I wondered if my fellow workout warriors were aware of the impacts of EDCs on their bodies. Obesity is a multifaceted condition influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors and whilst fitness enthusiasts tackle diet and exercise, it’s sad to see we are letting ourselves down when it comes to the chemicals we allow into our bodies. Almost my whole class were wearing petroleum derived gym leggings, rehydrating from single use plastic bottles, someone eating their high-protein, fibre-rich prepped breakfast from a plastic container. These are all now recognized as major contributors to significant health issues.

 EDCs are compounds found in many everyday products, such as plastic food packaging, pesticides, personal care products, and industrial chemicals. These substances can mimic, block, or alter natural hormones, thereby disturbing the body's intricate endocrine balance. Common EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all of which have been associated with metabolic disturbances.

Our bodies depend on hormones like insulin, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. EDCs may imitate natural hormones, triggering inappropriate responses. They prevent the body’s natural hormones from binding and functioning properly.  EDCs can also affect the glands responsible for hormone production, leading to imbalances.

A new study found that an increased PFAS content in blood promotes increases body weight and especially added difficulty in maintaining a lower body weight after weight loss. Under the leadership of Philippe Grandjean, MD, professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, a group of scientists examined blood samples from 381 adults who participated in a clinical trial supported by the European Commission. They found that adults with an elevated concentration of a common PFAS called PFOA in their blood put on weight no matter which diet that they followed in the clinical trial.  

“Our study adds new evidence that overweight is not just due to lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits – PFAS is increasingly suspected of being an additional factor,” says Philippe Grandjean. 

The link between EDCs and obesity adds a compelling dimension to our understanding of the obesity epidemic. While the relationship is complex and multifactorial, acknowledging the role of EDCs can drive both individual behaviour changes and broader regulatory reforms. By mitigating exposure to these harmful chemicals, we may take a significant step toward improving metabolic health and reducing obesity rates in our communities.