Obesity is a rising problems in America and it’s taking its toll on our children. According to Environmental Health Policy Institute (EHPI), 17% of children and youths in America are obese. While lack of activity, poor diet and genetics are frequently blamed for this problem, could there be other factors in the environment affecting the weight gain of our youngest citizens? Research in recent years has shown that an increase of chemicals in our diet could be contributing to the obesity epidemic we are now facing. The EHPI also states that certain endocrine disrupting chemicals affect how the body creates and stores fact which could be contributing to this epidemic. These are part of a growing list of obesogens: unsuspecting chemicals that can be making your family gain unintended weight through a variety of means. Low doses of these endocrine disruptors can actually have worse effects than high doses. So where can you find these obesogens?

Obesogens
 
*~*   List of Obesogens *~*
 
 
      What chemicals are obesogens found in? Here is a list of known obesogens found to date:
There are a few more items on this list, such as pharmaceuticals, banned items and nicotine in utero but I’ve listed the ones that pose an every day danger and that you can do something about.
 
 
 
Taken Many Years ago When I was actively "Glowing Old"


                    How To Protect Yourself from Obesogens
If this list is troubling, it’s with good reason. Not only are obesogens all around us, most articles I read viewed this as an “expanding” list. Future research may uncover more chemicals that act as obesogens as further studies are done to determine how we can conquer obesity in America. That said, there are concrete steps you can take to reduce your exposure to obesogens:
  1. Eat organic.
    This guarantees that your food is free of obesogens found in pesticides. Learn more about the dangers of glyphosate.
  2. Avoid tracking pesticides into your home.
    Tend your lawn organically and remove your shoes when entering your home to prevent these toxins from getting in your house. GMO grass is a new danger that also may be coming to your lawn.
  3. Eat grass fed meat and dairy.
    Grass fed dairy and meat are also the more nutritional choice for your family.
  4. Get rid of nonstick cookware.
    Cast iron, ceramic and glass are great choices to replace Teflon.
  5. Eliminate canned food products and microwave popcorn.
    We recommend buying as few packaged items as possible because many of them contain obesogens.
  6. Dump vinyl.
    This includes backpacks and luggage. Look for canvas and organic blends.
  7. Eliminate plastic.
    Use glass and stainless steel containers and reusable canvas storage bags instead. Learn how to store your food so it last longer.
  8. Filter your water.
    There are lots of toxins in your tap water and selecting a quality filter makes good sense.
  9. Reduce or eliminate soy.
    If you must have soy, make sure it is Non-GMO verified or organic.
  10. Eliminate high fructose corn syrup.
    Soda and pancake syrup are the biggest offenders, but you can find this sweetener in many packaged foods.
  11. Stop using artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
    Stop drinking diet soda and switch to a healthier drink like homemade fruit water. Learn what other foods are linked to cancer.
  12. Avoid MSG.
    This is trickier, but you can find restaurants that don’t use this chemical or have items on the menu that avoid it. In addition, not only does MSG have a long list of alternate names it can go, it can be found in organic foods or spices and the labeling requirements are very lax. A product can say “no MSG” and be organic, yet still contain some traces of it. “Organic spices”, “natural spices” and “yeast extract” can be alternate names for MSG, and spice mixes frequently contain it as well. It’s better to buy single organic spices. Say No to MSG has a pretty exhaustive list of alternate names for MSG.
  13. Use antibiotics minimally.
    Healthy gut bacteria and sensible home remedies can go a long way to preventing the need for antibiotics. In addition, children especially can build up a tolerance so use your best judgment in treating your family when sick. Learn the best ways to naturally prevent the flu.
  14. Buy safe furniture.
    Mattresses, for example, can off gas dangerous toxins but there are ways to protect yourself with your next purchase.
Obesogens may seem like they are “everywhere”, but following an organic and healthy diet, paying attention to your gut bacteria and detoxing your home can go a long way towards preventing obesity in your family. In addition, many of these chemicals are toxic to your body as endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins or carcinogens and should be avoided as much as possible. The key is not to give up because the list seems so overwhelming. Make gradual change. Begin reading labels when you shop for groceries and bath or beauty products. Create a plan to change over your plastic storage and nonstick cookware to safer options. Take stock of the packaged foods you buy and find healthier choices before eliminating them. Find ways to cook more often, whether bulk cooking and freezing works for you, or involving your children, or creating family meal plans. Take it one day or item at a time, and make changes that will last for the health and well being of you and your children.