How to Avoid Obesogens

The term "obesogen" was coined by biologist and professor Bruce Blumberg, according to University of California, Irvine. Blumberg is a leader in the research of obesogens, substances found in plastics and other products that may be responsible for increased body fat. Obeogens are found in products such as food packaging material, pesticides and cosmetics. More research is being done on the effects of these substances in the human body. Early research on obesogens questioned the importance that the material might carry in weight-loss issues. Studies have identified how obesogen influences fetuses and results in additional fat cells, which could lead to lifelong obesity. Researchers continue to investigate whether obesogen influence continues into adulthood and how much additional effect this might have on obesity.

Things You'll Need

• Glass storage containers
• Glass or aluminum drinking vessels
• Aluminum foil
• Wax paper
• Biodegradable shopping bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess your kitchen for all plastic and Styrofoam products and replace them with non-plastic alternatives. Plastic cups, sometimes used daily, contain obesogens, as do plastic reclosable bags and containers used for food storage. Instead of plastics, use glass or aluminum. Also use wax paper as an alternative for storing food. Carry a cup with you to avoid plastic or Styrofoam when away from home.

• 2

  Substitute obesogen-containing food and packaging with more biodegradable alternatives. Purchase only grass-fed meat and free-range poultry. Hormones used in animal processing plants are a significant source of obesogens. Further, buy all meats, poultry and seafood from the butcher counter and ask that they be wrapped in paper. Buy organic food or, even better, support local food growers and buy groceries from a farmers market. Read labels to avoid foods containing high-fructose corn syrup. Evidence is mounting that this substance, found in 70 percent of prepackaged food, is a major contributor to obesity. When buying groceries, carry fabric or other biodegradable bags from home. Finally, start to think about an area to grow food. Only one-sixth of an acre of land can produce enough organic food for a family.

• 3

  Avoid phthalate-containing materials. Phthalates are substances used to make plastic. Consider that plastic, chemically developed to last forever, is used as a throwaway convenience. Identify phthalate-containing items in the home such as shower curtains, backpacks, raincoats and some shoes, as well as myriad other products. Thousand of items in any one home may contain these substances. Find ways to substitute these items with more biodegradable materials. Ask your favorite restaurant to start packaging carryout orders in bamboo containers.