Obesity is a global issue that has been ballooning since 1975. According to the World Health Organization, the number of overweight people has nearly tripled since then.
But why? We’ve blamed high-fat foods, sugary carbs, and our sedentary lifestyle, among other things. But what if something else—something invisible—is at play?
Enter the concept of “obesogens,” a term coined by scientist Barbara E. Corkey, who believes that certain chemicals could be contributing to our expanding waistlines.
What Are Obesogens?
Barbara E. Corkey, a seasoned researcher who has taught medicine and biochemistry, suggests that chemicals known as obesogens may be a hidden factor in the obesity crisis.
These are chemicals that could mess up how our bodies handle fat. They’ve been part of our environment for the last 50 years, showing up in our food, water, and even the air we breathe.
How Might These Chemicals Work?
Corkey believes that obesogens could trick our bodies into storing more fat than needed or make us feel hungry when we’re not.
She points to something called the “redox state” in our bodies, a kind of internal signal that helps us know when we need more energy or when we have too much.
If obesogens mess up this signal, we might start gaining weight for no apparent reason.
Interestingly, these chemicals could be lurking in ultra-processed foods—like chips or candy—that are far removed from their natural state. Research has shown that people who consume a lot of such foods often weigh more.
Obesogens could also come from the countless chemicals we encounter daily, like those in fertilizers, plastics, and air pollution.
What Could This Mean for Obesity Treatment?
If Corkey’s hypothesis holds water, it could revolutionize how we approach obesity. Current solutions mainly focus on eating less and moving more.
But if chemicals are secretly making us gain weight, then we need to rethink our strategies.
The first step would be to identify these obesogens and find ways to eliminate them from our environment. Or, if that proves too difficult, we need to find ways to counteract their effects on our bodies.
More to Learn
While intriguing, this theory is still under review. Corkey’s findings have been published in a respected scientific journal, which means other experts can now test her theory.
If obesogens are proven to be a significant factor in weight gain, it could change how we tackle the obesity crisis from the ground up.
In Summary
As we continue to battle the rising tide of obesity, this new angle on potential causes could be a game-changer.
So, the next time you’re struggling with weight issues, remember that the problem might not just be what you’re eating or how much you’re moving.
Hidden chemicals in our environment could also be stealthy culprits in our struggle against weight gain. If you’re concerned about weight management, keep an eye on further research in this area—it may just hold the key to a healthier future.
If you care about obesity, please read studies about Scientists find two big contributors to obesity and findings of Obesity drug improves this cognitive function in obese people.
For more information about obesity, please see recent studies about low-carb keto diet could manage obesity effectively and results showing popular weight loss diet linked to heart disease and cancer.
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