American researchers recently released a study that links higher levels of the chemical bisphenol-A to increased rates of obesity. The chemical, typically abbreviated as “BPA,” is a synthetic form of estrogen primarily found in plastics. It has been in use since 1957, though it has been outlawed for use in sippy cups and baby bottles in the United States. However, BPA continues to be used in other containers and packaging, including aluminum cans, because it has not yet been definitively proven to cause harm to adults.
The study focused on nearly 3,000 subjects nationwide, gathering data about their dietary, exercise and lifestyle habits and testing their urine for BPA levels. Results showed that while just 10 percent of the children with the lowest BPA levels were obese, compared to 22 percent of the children with the highest BPA levels.
“This is the first association of an environmental chemical in childhood obesity in a large, nationally representative sample,” said lead investigator Leonardo Trasande (New York University, USA) in a press statement.
“Our findings further demonstrate the need for a broader paradigm in the way we think about the obesity epidemic. Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity certainly contribute to increased fat mass, but the story clearly doesn’t end there.”
Jim has spent the last 5 years writing for a variety of health-related websites. At Activebeat, James is an essential member of the editorial team, providing information on exercise, diet & nutrition and men’s health – among many other things.
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