Obesity has become a major global issue, with rates tripling since 1975, according to the World Health Organization. We often blame unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and modern lifestyles, but what if another, less obvious factor is at play?
A growing theory suggests that certain invisible chemicals in our environment—called obesogens—could be contributing to weight gain without us even realizing it.
What Are Obesogens?
The term “obesogens” was introduced by Barbara E. Corkey, a scientist specializing in medicine and biochemistry. She believes that these chemicals could be interfering with how our bodies store fat and regulate hunger.
Obesogens are widespread in our environment and can be found in:
- Ultra-processed foods (like chips, candy, and sugary drinks)
- Plastics and packaging materials
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Air pollution and household products
These chemicals have been part of our daily lives for decades, yet their role in weight gain has largely gone unnoticed.
How Do Obesogens Affect the Body?
Corkey’s research suggests that obesogens disrupt the body’s natural fat-regulating systems. One possible explanation involves a process called the redox state, which helps the body determine when it needs energy and when it has enough.
If obesogens interfere with this signal, the body might store excess fat or trigger hunger unnecessarily, leading to weight gain that isn’t purely related to diet and exercise.
Additionally, many people who consume high amounts of processed foods tend to weigh more, suggesting a possible connection between hidden chemicals in food and obesity.
What Does This Mean for Obesity Treatment?
Right now, most weight-loss solutions focus on eating less and exercising more. But if obesogens are influencing our metabolism and fat storage, then simply adjusting diet and activity might not be enough.
If this theory proves true, it could change the way obesity is treated. Future strategies might include:
- Identifying and removing obesogens from food and the environment
- Developing ways to counteract their effects in the body
- Creating new guidelines for food safety and chemical exposure
More Research Needed
Although this idea is still under investigation, Corkey’s work has been published in a respected scientific journal, allowing other researchers to test and expand on the theory. If proven, obesogens could be a major missing piece in the obesity puzzle, shifting how we approach weight management.
A New Perspective on Weight Gain
This theory suggests that weight struggles might not be entirely due to personal choices—external factors like environmental chemicals could also play a role. While healthy eating and exercise remain crucial, understanding and reducing exposure to obesogens could become just as important in the fight against obesity.
As scientists continue to study obesogens, keeping an open mind about hidden influences on weight gain might help us discover new and more effective ways to maintain a healthy body.
If you care about weight, please read studies about diet that can treat fatty liver disease, obesity, and hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight people.
For more information about weight, please see recent studies about how to curb your cravings for ready-to-eat foods, and results showing what you can eat to speed your metabolism up.
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