Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly recognized for their harmful effects on human health. Among these effects, a concerning link is emerging between PFAS exposure and weight regulation in people of all ages. Several studies suggest a correlation between the widespread presence of these “forever chemicals” and the global obesity epidemic.

PFAS: Potential Metabolic Disruptors

The idea that chemicals, especially PFAS, can affect weight regulation isn’t new. A study published in 2018 involving over 620 overweight individuals demonstrated a link between the presence of PFAS in the blood and a lower Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). Individuals with a low RMR have a slower metabolism, which means they burn fewer calories throughout the day, making it harder to naturally lose weight gained through diet.

Neonatal Exposure: A Time Bomb

In a study conducted in 2022 by Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, researchers focused on childhood obesity, which skyrocketed between the 1980s and 2015. In UK, almost a quarter of English children are obese at the end of primary school, while across Europe, nearly one in three children is considered overweight or obese, according to WHO data.

The study, which involved children under 12, had mixed results:

  • The Good News…
    • The study ruled out a direct link between prenatal PFAS exposure and the later development of obesity in young children.
  • The Bad News…
    • The study confirmed a link between postnatal exposure—during the early years of development—and the onset of obesity in children. However, new research suggests that prenatal exposure might still have delayed effects, with obesity potentially emerging later during adolescence.

It’s important to note that new research challenges the idea that prenatal exposure has no effect. It suggests that PFAS act like a ticking time bomb, with obesity potentially appearing later in adolescence.

A Proven Link in Teenagers…

Recent research has provided stronger evidence of the link between PFAS and obesity. Two 2021 studies highlight this correlation in adolescents:

While the exact mechanisms by which PFAS affect metabolism are still unclear, it’s increasingly evident that they might interfere with the endocrine and hormonal systems. PFAS seem to disrupt thyroid receptors and metabolic pathways, which could lead to fat accumulation and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism.

…And in Adults

In a study involving 381 adults, participants were first required to lose at least 8% of their body weight, with the goal of analyzing their weight regain after a diet. The results confirmed that individuals with high levels of PFOA or PFHxS regained significantly more weight than other participants.

The European Commission has also taken up this pressing issue by compiling data from over 700 scientific publications. This review confirmed that individuals with high levels of PFAS in their blood have an increased risk of overweight and obesity. The European study broadly highlights that exposure to chemicals found in plastics, particularly PFAS, could be a causal factor in obesity, especially when exposure occurs at high or prolonged levels.

What Lies Ahead?

The data collected so far presents a troubling picture: PFAS, ubiquitous in our environment, appear to play a significant role in rising obesity rates worldwide. The persistence of these chemicals in the environment, combined with their ability to accumulate in the human body, means that even low but chronic exposures can have long-term effects on our metabolism.

This reality demands increased vigilance from health authorities, researchers, and citizens to minimize the impact of these substances on public health. For those interested in learning more about reducing their exposure to PFAS, we invite you to visit our dedicated solutions section on infopfas.com.

Our Solutions to Avoid PFAS

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