Obesogens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals<\/a> (EDCs) that sabotage weight loss efforts by altering fat cell development and disrupting energy balance.<\/p>\n These chemicals have fancy names like bisphenol A<\/a>, phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers \u2014 and unfortunately, they are pretty much everywhere.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are in the water, they are in the food, they are in the home,\u201d Dr. Robert Lustig<\/a>, an emeritus professor in the Department of Pediatrics and a member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies<\/a> at UC San Francisco, told The Post.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything you need to know about obesogens \u2014 including steps you can take to reduce exposure \u2014 so you can finally tip the scale in your favor.<\/p>\n How do obesogens work?<\/p>\n EDCs mimic, block or interfere with hormones that regulate growth<\/a>, reproduction, metabolism and mood.<\/p>\n They are a growing problem because they\u2019re in everyday items \u2014 like food packaging, cosmetics, clothes and cleaning supplies \u2014 so they\u2019re almost impossible to avoid. You ingest, inhale or absorb them into your body. <\/p>\n \u201cIf endocrine-disrupting chemicals alter DNA, they are called mutagens,\u201d Lustig said. \u201cIf they differentiate or grow adipocytes, they are called obesogens.\u201d<\/p>\n Adipocytes are fat cells. Obesogens can increase the number and size of fat cells in the body and promote the storage of calories as fat instead of burning them for energy.<\/p>\n These scale shifters can also hijack hormonal control of metabolism, appetite and satiety.<\/p>\n How sure are we that these chemicals affect weight?<\/p>\n Lustig said the scientific evidence linking obesogens to obesity is \u201cvery strong.\u201d<\/p>\n There\u2019s \u201cclear causation\u201d in animal studies<\/a>, he added, though it\u2019s harder to demonstrate causation in humans.<\/p>\n \u201cRandomized controlled trials are impossible and would be illegal,\u201d Lustig said, nodding to the ethical concerns of exposing humans to substances suspected of causing long-term health damage.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do have a few historical studies<\/a> that demonstrate that prenatal exposure to certain obesogens resulted in obesity at later ages.\u201d<\/p>\n Which are the most powerful obesogens?<\/p>\n \u201cThe chemicals that are the most potent obesogens are those that act as estrogens,\u201d Lustig said.<\/p>\n \u201cMany of these are insecticides because they disrupt the insect life cycle,\u201d he continued. \u201cOthers include organic household compounds like vinyl flooring, plasticizers and flame retardants. And, of course, the Big Kahuna \u2014 fructose, the sweet molecule in sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n Obesogens include bisphenol A, found in plastic products and the lining of canned foods; phthalates<\/a> in plastics, fragrances and personal care products; \u201cforever chemicals\u201d<\/a> in non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics and food packaging; parabens in beauty products; and organotin compounds in pesticides and PVC pipe.<\/p>\n How can you best avoid obesogens?<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/female-bare-feet-weight-scale-123391747_277b4e.jpg\")
It\u2019s not you, it\u2019s the obesogens! You may be struggling to lose weight because of your exposure to chemicals that promote fat accumulation. Rostislav Sedlacek \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_214775837.jpg\")
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are frequently found in cosmetics. They can be absorbed by the skin. zinkevych \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n