Researchers Discover Unexpected Factor Contributing To Obesity Spike

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New research suggests that exposure to plastic could be contributing to obesity, with thousands of chemicals in items made from the material unknown.  A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found over 55,000 types of chemicals present in common plastic products, and only 11 of those compounds were able to be identified, as detailed by Earth Day.

All of the known chemicals, however, have been linked to changes in metabolism. Items examined by scientists include plastic wrap, shampoo bottles, kids bath sponges, and coffee cup lids. They also believe that many of the unidentifiable compounds in plastic could be  endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, which are thought to affect appetite and increase the storage of fat, per Earth Day.

Obesity leads to an increased risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. This can create extra expenses for people impacted, with the World Health Organization projecting that the global cost of healthcare associated with being overweight or obese could be as much as $3 trillion per year by 2030…Story continues…

By: Susan Elizabeth Turek

Source: Marketing Scoops: Researchers Discover Unexpected Factor Contributing To Obesity Spike