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Dr. Blumberg, a professor of developmental and cell biology at the University of California says that certain chemicals may be altering the human metabolism and fat cell development. Obviously there are other aspects, sedentary lifestyle, dietary changes, even artificial nighttime lighting, leading to the rise in obesity worldwide. However it is believed that certain endocrine disrupting chemicals are contributing to the epidemic.
The way these chemicals work is by activating PPAR-gamma. There are several pharmaceuticals on the market (Actos and Avandia) that are known to make people fat, and activate this same pathway. The activation of PPAR-gamma causes fat cells to be larger and more prevalent throughout the body in both animals and people. It also predisposes certain stem cells to transform into fat cells.
Dr. Blumberg developed a list of about 20 obesogens, or chemicals that make people fat. This list including Bisphenol A (BPA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), Pthalates and several other common substancs. These chemicals show up in 95% of the human population according to the CDC! Dr. Blumberg says that exposure to obesogens does not determine whether or not you’ll be fat. It is not an excuse for an unhealthy lifestyle, rather, “I think that if you’re the type of person who struggles with weight loss you might say, “Well, I’ve been exposed to these chemicals, and it’s adjusted my metabolism to make me more efficient at storing fat. Therefore, I have to try a little harder, and that’s just the way it is…”
To listen to the original interview click here or to read the transcript click here
